Re: Evolutionary biology: To work or not to work

On Wed, 8 Nov 2006 01:25:19 -0500 (EST), "Perplexed in Peoria"
<jimmenegay@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Ok, I concede that eusociality is far from being the rule in hymenoptera
or in haplodiploids. Still, I know of only four examples of eusociality -
ants, honey bees, termites, and naked mole rats. Two of those four are
haplodiploids. That says something. Nothing conclusive, but at least
something.


Currently, eusociality is thought to have independently evolved 17
times. 11 times in Hymenoptera, once in termites (Isoptera), once in
gall-forming aphids (Homoptera) once in bark-nesting weavils
(Coleoptera), once in gall-forming thrips (Thysanoptera), once in
snapping shrimps and once in naked mole rats. Thrips are also
haplodiploidy, so 12/17 involve haplodiploidy genetics.
Maybe this is just a statistical anomaly but I also think it may say
something. But unfortunately the explanations usually begins with (and
sometimes ends with) the "r=3/4 for sisters" argument as if that
explains it. That argument is probably completely off target. But
there are other consequences of haplodipoidy genetics that may very
well favor it for the evolution of eusociality, such as the female's
ability to determine the sex of her offspring. Also, as John noted,
having enclosed nests is part of the puzzle.
Most people seem to look first at termites and ants for the
explanation of eusociality. But in both of these, all species are
eusocial and there is no way to observe the intermediate steps. In
bees and wasps eusociality has evolved many times. It is also in the
bees and wasps that the full range of species types can be examined
(from solitary to sub-social, quasi-social and eusocial). And it will
probably be from observing the bees and wasps that the pieces of this
puzzle will be worked out.
William L. Hunt


.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Evolutionary biology: To work or not to work
    ... IOW the proposition that eusociality was alone ... constitutes an _exclusive_ inclusive fitness verification persists ... within evolutionary theory to this very day. ... as common within diploids as it was in haplodiploids. ...
    (sci.bio.evolution)
  • Re: Evolutionary biology: To work or not to work
    ... eusociality is common among haplodiploids and rare in the rest ... eusociality is also very rare among the haplodiploids. ... but very few species are eusocial. ... but I thought that the hymenoptera pretty ...
    (sci.bio.evolution)
  • Re: Evolutionary biology: To work or not to work
    ... or in haplodiploids. ... that are related at all are members of the same clone. ... Eusociality has arisen among some crustaceans and other ... with a single breeding female and a preponderance of male ...
    (sci.bio.evolution)
  • Re: Evolutionary biology: To work or not to work
    ... constitutes an _exclusive_ inclusive fitness verification persists ... I've never heard that myth. ... eusociality is common among haplodiploids and rare in the rest ... eusociality is also very rare among the haplodiploids. ...
    (sci.bio.evolution)
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