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Why is eusociality an almost exclusively terrestrial phenomenon?
Author(s) -
Ruxton Graeme D.,
Humphries Stuart,
Morrell Lesley J.,
Wilkinson David M.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of animal ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.134
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1365-2656
pISSN - 0021-8790
DOI - 10.1111/1365-2656.12251
Subject(s) - eusociality , biology , ecology , nest (protein structural motif) , range (aeronautics) , ecosystem , zoology , hymenoptera , biochemistry , materials science , composite material
SummaryEusociality has evolved multiple times across diverse terrestrial taxa, and eusocial species fundamentally shape many terrestrial ecosystems. However, eusocial species are far less common and have much less ecological impact, in aquatic than terrestrial environments. Here, we offer a potential explanation for these observations. It appears that a precondition for the evolution of eusociality is the defence and repeated feeding of offspring in a nest or other protected cavity, and so eusocial species must be able to exploit a predator‐safe, long‐lasting (multigenerational) expandable nest. We argue that a range of factors mean that opportunities for such nests are much more widespread and the advantages more compelling in terrestrial than aquatic ecosystems.