Why is eusociality an almost exclusively terrestrial phenomenon?

Ruxton, Graeme D.; Humphries, Stuart; Morrell, Lesley J.; Wilkinson, David M.

Abstract

1.Eusociality has evolved multiple times across diverse terrestrial taxa, and eusocial species fundamentally shape many terrestrial ecosystems. However, eusocial species are far less common and have much less ecological impact, in aquatic than terrestrial environments. 2.Here, we offer a potential explanation for these observations. It appears that a precondition for the evolution of eusociality is the defence and repeated feeding of offspring in a nest or other protected cavity, and so eusocial species must be able to exploit a predator-safe, long-lasting (multigenerational) expandable nest. We argue that a range of factors mean that opportunities for such nests are much more widespread and the advantages more compelling in terrestrial than aquatic ecosystems.

Citation

Ruxton, G. D., Humphries, S., Morrell, L. J., & Wilkinson, D. M. (2014). Why is eusociality an almost exclusively terrestrial phenomenon?. The journal of animal ecology, 83(6), 1248-1255. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.12251

• Acceptance Date: May 22, 2014
• Online Publication Date: Jun 24, 2014
• Publication Date: 2014-11
• Deposit Date: Oct 1, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 23, 2017
• Journal: Journal of animal ecology
• Print ISSN: 0021-8790
• Electronic ISSN: 1365-2656
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 83
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 1248-1255
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.12251
• Keywords: Ants; Shrimp; Social insects; Sociality; Termites
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/379405
• Publisher URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2656.12251/abstract
• Additional Information: Author's accepted manuscript of article published in: Journal of animal ecology, 2014, v.83, issue 6.