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Multilevel Organisation of Animal Sociality
Cyril C Grueter1, Xiaoguang Qi2, Dietmar Zinner3
1School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|June 1, 2020
Summary
Multilevel societies (MLSs) offer benefits across various group sizes. This study defines MLSs and explores their evolutionary pressures and impacts on cognition and sexual selection.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Behavioral ecology
- Social evolution
Background:
- Multilevel societies (MLSs) are complex social structures found in various mammalian species.
- These societies involve stable nuclear units within larger collectives, presenting unique adaptive challenges.
- The functional advantage of MLSs lies in members accessing benefits associated with multiple group sizes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a unifying terminology and operational definition for multilevel societies (MLSs).
- To synthesize current literature on the evolutionary drivers of MLSs.
- To explore the implications of MLSs for cognition, intersexual conflict, and sexual selection.
Main Methods:
- Literature synthesis and review.
- Conceptual framework development for MLS definition.
- Analysis of selective pressures and consequences in MLS evolution.
Main Results:
- A unified definition and terminology for MLSs are proposed.
- Key selective pressures driving MLS evolution are identified.
- Connections between MLSs and cognitive abilities, intersexual conflict, and sexual selection are highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Understanding MLS drivers and consequences offers insights into social evolution across taxa.
- MLSs represent a significant area for integrative research in social behavior.
- This framework aids in studying the social evolution of species, including humans.
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