Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other

Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other

According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group effort.

Impact of Social Context on Individuals

Impact of Social Context on Individuals

Social psychology examines how the real or imagined presence of others influences individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A key concept in this field is the role of social context in shaping behavior. The same individual may act differently depending on the social setting, due to the varying expectations and norms associated with each environment. This context-dependent behavior illustrates the influence of social roles, which prescribe appropriate conduct in specific situations.Social...

Colonisation of Pathogens

Colonisation of Pathogens

Pathogen colonization of host tissues is a critical step in the development of infectious diseases. Various pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, have evolved complex strategies to attach to, invade, and persist within host environments. These mechanisms enable pathogens to establish infections, evade immune responses, and resist antimicrobial treatments.Attachment to Host CellsIn bacteria, colonization typically begins with adherence to host epithelial...

Impact of Groups on Individuals

Impact of Groups on Individuals

Groups play a fundamental role in shaping individual behavior, as they establish norms that guide interactions and decision-making. Social psychology examines how individuals conform to group expectations, often adjusting their attitudes and actions to align with group norms. These norms can be formal, such as workplace policies, or informal, such as unspoken social expectations within a fraternity.Conformity and Social InfluenceConformity arises when individuals modify their behaviors or...

Impact of Individuals on a Group

Impact of Individuals on a Group

In social psychology, the interplay between individuals and groups is a central concern, particularly regarding how individual actions and characteristics influence group processes and outcomes. While much research emphasizes the group's power in shaping individual behavior, it is equally significant to understand how individuals contribute to the functioning, development, and success of groups.Individual Roles in Group Productivity and Decision-MakingIndividuals are not passive participants in...

Social Identity

Social Identity

Social identity constitutes a significant aspect of an individual’s self-concept, shaped by membership in various social groups, including gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and political affiliation. Individuals associate specific traits with particular social groups, leading to internalization of these traits. For example, musicians are often perceived as creative, while women are frequently associated with nurturing tendencies. Once individuals identify with a particular...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Trends in telemedicine assessment indicate neglect of key criteria for predicting success.

Journal of health organization and management·2012

Same author

Sex allocation: size matters for red spider mites.

Current biology : CB·2010

Same author

Nutritional ecology: a first vegetarian spider.

Current biology : CB·2009

Same author

Sympatric speciation: perfume preferences of orchid bee lineages.

Current biology : CB·2008

Same author

Interspecific communication: treehopper alarms make ants come running.

Current biology : CB·2008

Same author

Chemical coevolution: host-parasite arms race runs hot and cold.

Current biology : CB·2008

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

The HoneyComb Paradigm for Research on Collective Human Behavior

The HoneyComb Paradigm for Research on Collective Human Behavior

Published on: January 19, 2019

Social evolution: pathways to ant unicoloniality.

Duncan E Jackson¹

¹University of Sheffield, Department of Computer Science, Regent Court, 211 Portobello Street, Sheffield S1 4DP, UK. duncan@dcs.sheffield.ac.uk

Current Biology : CB

|December 20, 2007

Summary

Unicolonial ant species form super-colonies with free movement between linked populations. Low resource competition within the species reduces aggression between colonies.

Area of Science:

Ecology
Animal Behavior
Social Insects

Background:

Unicolonial ant species exhibit unique social structures characterized by interconnected super-colonies.
In these super-colonies, individuals (workers and queens) display free movement and interaction across formerly distinct colony boundaries.
Understanding the ecological factors influencing social behavior in unicolonial ants is crucial for comprehending their population dynamics and ecological impact.

Discussion:

The study investigates the relationship between resource competition and inter-colony aggression in unicolonial ants.
Findings suggest that reduced intra-specific competition is a key factor enabling the formation and maintenance of large, cohesive super-colonies.
This absence of aggression facilitates resource sharing and cooperative behaviors across extensive ant populations.

More Related Videos

Collection and Long-Term Maintenance of Leaf-Cutting Ants (Atta) in Laboratory Conditions

Collection and Long-Term Maintenance of Leaf-Cutting Ants (Atta) in Laboratory Conditions

Published on: August 30, 2022

Monitoring Spatial Segregation in Surface Colonizing Microbial Populations

Monitoring Spatial Segregation in Surface Colonizing Microbial Populations

Published on: October 29, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 9, 2026

The HoneyComb Paradigm for Research on Collective Human Behavior

The HoneyComb Paradigm for Research on Collective Human Behavior

Published on: January 19, 2019

Collection and Long-Term Maintenance of Leaf-Cutting Ants (Atta) in Laboratory Conditions

Collection and Long-Term Maintenance of Leaf-Cutting Ants (Atta) in Laboratory Conditions

Published on: August 30, 2022

Monitoring Spatial Segregation in Surface Colonizing Microbial Populations

Monitoring Spatial Segregation in Surface Colonizing Microbial Populations

Published on: October 29, 2016

Key Insights:

Low intra-specific resource competition is directly linked to the absence of inter-colony aggression in unicolonial ants.
This finding challenges traditional models of colony defense and territoriality in social insects.
The study highlights resource availability as a critical determinant of social organization and conflict in ant societies.

Outlook:

Further research can explore the genetic and environmental factors underlying reduced resource competition in unicolonial species.
Investigating the ecological consequences of large-scale, non-aggressive ant super-colonies can provide insights into ecosystem functioning.
Comparative studies with other social insects may reveal broader principles of social evolution and conflict resolution.