TY - JOUR
T1 - Eusociality
T2 - Origin and consequences
AU - Wilson, Edward O.
AU - Hoelldobler, Berthold
PY - 2005/9/20
Y1 - 2005/9/20
N2 - In this new assessment of the empirical evidence, an alternative to the standard model is proposed: group selection is the strong binding force in eusocial evolution; individual selection, the strong dissolutive force; and kin selection (narrowly defined), either a weak binding or weak dissolutive force, according to circumstance. Close kinship may be more a consequence of eusociality than a factor promoting its origin. A point of no return to the solitary state exists, as a rule when workers become anatomically differentiated. Eusociality has been rare in evolution, evidently due to the scarcity of environmental pressures adequate to tip the balance among countervailing forces in favor of group selection. Eusociality in ants and termites in the irreversible stage is the key to their ecological dominance and has (at least in ants) shaped some features of internal phytogeny. Their colonies are consistently superior to solitary and preeusocial competitors, due to the altruistic behavior among nastmates and their ability to organize coordinated action by pheromonal communication.
AB - In this new assessment of the empirical evidence, an alternative to the standard model is proposed: group selection is the strong binding force in eusocial evolution; individual selection, the strong dissolutive force; and kin selection (narrowly defined), either a weak binding or weak dissolutive force, according to circumstance. Close kinship may be more a consequence of eusociality than a factor promoting its origin. A point of no return to the solitary state exists, as a rule when workers become anatomically differentiated. Eusociality has been rare in evolution, evidently due to the scarcity of environmental pressures adequate to tip the balance among countervailing forces in favor of group selection. Eusociality in ants and termites in the irreversible stage is the key to their ecological dominance and has (at least in ants) shaped some features of internal phytogeny. Their colonies are consistently superior to solitary and preeusocial competitors, due to the altruistic behavior among nastmates and their ability to organize coordinated action by pheromonal communication.
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U2 - 10.1073/pnas.0505858102
DO - 10.1073/pnas.0505858102
M3 - Review article
C2 - 16157878
AN - SCOPUS:26444432890
SN - 0027-8424
VL - 102
SP - 13367
EP - 13371
JO - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
JF - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
IS - 38
ER -