Behavioral Biology Evolution of Social Systems
Societies Groups of organisms of the same species which cooperate to exist.
Benefits of Sociality Kin Selection Decreased Predation Risk Increased Feeding Sources Increased Hunting Success
Insect Societies Hymenoptera –Honeybees –Leaf-cutter ants Isoptera –Termites
Honeybee Society Caste system – Division of Duties –Queen Diploid female Duty: Reproduction Produces ‘Queen substance’ Lays 1500 eggs/day till death or runs out of sperm
Honeybee Society Which one is the Queen?
Honeybee Societies Queen Cell
Honeybee Society Caste system – Division of Duties –Drone Haploid Male Duty: Find the queen and mate Dies after reproduces (2 seconds!)
Honeybee Societies Drone Workers
Honeybee Societies Drone Cells
Honeybee Society Caste system – Division of Duties –Worker Diploid female with ovaries suppressed Duty: Everything except laying eggs
Honeybee Society
Workers ‘Festooning’
Honeybee Society Worker ‘Scenting’ to Signal Disturbance
Bibliography Raven, Peter H. Et al Biology, 8 th ed. McGraw Hill Higher Education. New York, NY. All photos are by D. Hautau, Alpena Community College.