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Extended parental care in communal social groups
Stephen H Forbes1, Rachelle M M Adams, Charla Bitney
1Division of Biological Sciences, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA.
Journal of Insect Science (Online)
|September 30, 2004
Summary
Social bees can live in stable groups without close kinship. This study shows extended parental care in bees applies to both kin and non-kin social systems, broadening evolutionary understanding.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Behavioral ecology
- Social insect genetics
Background:
- Social insects often live in groups, but the necessity of close kinship for stable group living is debated.
- Previous research on Lasioglossum (Chilalictus) hemichalceum suggested cooperating females were not related, challenging traditional models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the colony genetic structure of Lasioglossum (Chilalictus) hemichalceum using DNA microsatellites.
- To test the hypothesis that tolerance for non-foragers is a form of extended parental care, applicable to non-kin based social systems.
Main Methods:
- DNA microsatellite analysis to assess colony genetic structure.
- Quantification of intracolony relatedness and kinship between individuals.
- Analysis of maternal absence during brood development.
Main Results:
- Substantial microsatellite polymorphism (He = 0.775) was observed.
- Overall intracolony relatedness was low but significant (r = 0.136 +/- 0.023) in late-season nests, with broods containing unrelated siblings.
- A significant proportion of adult females (46%) lacked related individuals in their nests, and mothers were frequently absent during brood development.
Conclusions:
- The extended parental care model is applicable to both kin-based and non-kin-based social systems in Hymenoptera.
- Findings challenge the exclusive link between kinship and the evolution of sociality in insects.
- Social tolerance and cooperative behaviors can evolve in the absence of close genetic relatedness.