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Why is eusociality an almost exclusively terrestrial phenomenon?
Graeme D Ruxton1, Stuart Humphries2, Lesley J Morrell2
1School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY12 9TH, UK.
The Journal of Animal Ecology
|June 5, 2014
Summary
Eusociality, common in terrestrial ecosystems, is rare in aquatic environments. This is because terrestrial habitats offer more opportunities for predator-safe, expandable nests crucial for the evolution of eusociality.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Eusociality, characterized by cooperative brood care and reproductive division of labor, is widespread in terrestrial ecosystems, influencing ecological dynamics.
- In contrast, eusocial species are significantly less prevalent and exert a lesser ecological impact in aquatic environments.
Discussion:
- The evolution of eusociality appears contingent upon the ability to establish and maintain predator-safe, long-lasting, and expandable nests for offspring defense and feeding.
- Terrestrial environments provide more widespread opportunities for the development of such critical nesting structures compared to aquatic environments.
Key Insights:
- The availability and advantages of multi-generational, expandable nests are more pronounced in terrestrial ecosystems.
- This difference in nesting opportunities offers a potential explanation for the divergent prevalence of eusociality between land and water.
Outlook:
- Further research can explore specific terrestrial and aquatic environmental factors that facilitate or hinder nest evolution.
- Comparative studies on nesting behaviors in diverse taxa could illuminate the evolutionary pathways to eusociality.
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