Haploidploidy and the evolution of the social insect

摘要: Halminton (1) was apparently the first to appreciate that synthesis of Mendelian genetics with Darwin's theory natural selection had profound implications for social theory. In particular, insofar as almost all behavior is either selfish or altruistic (or has such effects), genetical reasoning suggests an individual's should be adjusted his her degree relatedness, r, individuals affected by behavior. We call this kinship The insects provide a critical test Hamilton's When combined sex ratio Fisher (9), body consistent predictions emerges regarding haplodiploid Hymenoptera. evolution female workers helping their mother reproduce more likely in Hymenoptera than diploid groups, provided lay some male-producing eggs bias investment toward reproductive females. Once eusocial colonies appear, certain biases these are expected evolve. general, but especially ants, biased favor females, and it equilibrate at 1 : 3 (male female). present evidence from 20 species monogynous ants is, indeed, about 3, we subject discovery series tests. As expected, slave-making produce 1, polygynoys many males on basis relative dry weight alone, solitary bees wasps near (and no greater 2), bumblebees ratios between 3. addition, trapnested are, predicted Fisher, inversely related cost producing male instead female. Taken together, data quantitative support theory, assumption offspring capable acting counter its parents' best interests, supposition haplodiploidy played unique role insects. Finally, outline worker-queen conflict, which explains queen's advantage competition over workers' investment. uses asymmetries explain how evolved outcome parent-offspring conflict function life history parameters.