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SEX-INVESTMENT RATIOS AND RELATEDNESS IN THE MONOGYNOUS ANT LASIUS NIGER (L.).

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Kin selection theory accurately predicts sex investment ratios in Lasius niger ants across varying resource conditions. Worker interests align with kin selection, despite environmental differences, reducing queen-worker conflict.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Behavioral Ecology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Relatedness structure significantly influences sex-investment ratios in social insects.
  • Colony resource availability can impact reproductive strategies and investment in sexuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the role of relatedness structure in sex-investment ratios of Lasius niger ants.
  • To investigate how varying resource conditions affect sex-investment ratios and queen-worker conflict.
  • To test predictions of kin-selection theory against observed investment patterns.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic variation analysis at two marker loci in three Lasius niger populations.
  • Quantification of dry weight investment in queens and males.
  • Comparison of observed sex-investment ratios with those predicted by kin-selection theory.

Main Results:

  • Dry weight investment in queens decreased from female-biased to equality with male investment as resources became limited.
  • Observed sex-investment ratios closely matched predictions from kin-selection theory across populations.
  • Queen-worker conflict and relatedness asymmetry diminished in a marginal population due to increased polyandry and male production by workers.

Conclusions:

  • Kin-selection theory effectively explains sex-investment ratios in Lasius niger, even under diverse environmental conditions.
  • Workers can exploit relatedness asymmetry to their benefit, influencing sex ratios.
  • Polyandry levels may be influenced by resource gradients, with sex ratios depending secondarily on polyandry.