Caste and Ecology in the Social Insects

Caste and Ecology in the Social Insects PDF Author: George F. Oster
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691023611
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 372

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Book Description
In this pathbreaking and far-reaching work George Oster and Edward Wilson provide the first fully developed theory of caste evolution among the social insects. Furthermore, in studying the effects of natural selection in generally increasing the insects' ergonomic efficiency, they go beyond the concentration of previous researchers on the physiological mechanisms of the insects and turn our attention instead to the scale and efficiency of the insects' division of labor. Recognizing that the efficiency of the insect colony is based on a complex fitting of the division of labor to many simultaneous needs, including those imposed by the distribution of resources and enemies around the nest, Professors Oster and Wilson are able to construct a series of mathematical models to characterize the agents of natural selection that promote particular caste systems. The social insects play a key role in the subject of sociobiology because their social organization is so rigid and can be related to genetic evolution. Because of this important consideration, the authors' work has consequences not only for entomology but also for general evolutionary theory.

Caste and Ecology in the Social Insects

Caste and Ecology in the Social Insects PDF Author: George F. Oster
Publisher: Books on Demand
ISBN: 9780608029474
Category : Insect societies
Languages : en
Pages : 371

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Book Description


Caste Differentiation in Social Insects

Caste Differentiation in Social Insects PDF Author: J. A. L. Watson
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 1483286185
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 420

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Book Description
In more detail than has previously been available, this book comprehensively covers all the various mechanisms of caste differentiation in social insects. For the first time the most recent information regarding mechanisms of caste differentiation in higher termites has been compiled in a well illustrated volume, together with comparative discussion of the whole range of social insects, including bees, ants and wasps.

The Biology Of Social Insects

The Biology Of Social Insects PDF Author: Michael D. Breed
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1000314898
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 441

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Book Description
In this book internationally known experts provide a comprehensive view of current knowledge of social insect biology including much previously unpublished information. Particular emphasis is given to the relationships between social insects and humans; sections are devoted to economically important social insects, pollination, foraging, and the role of insects in ecosystems and agroecosystems. The authors also discuss communication, behavior and caste within insect colonies. A special section focuses on the neurobiology of social insects. A series of papers considers the presocial insects, which live in family groups but without caste differences. Also well represented are the fields of sociobiology and the origins and evolution of social behavior. The book will be valuable to agricultural scientists as well as to entomologists, sociobiologists, ecologists, ethologists, and natural historians. Endocrinologists and neurobiologists will also find important new material.

Caste and Ecology in the Social Insects

Caste and Ecology in the Social Insects PDF Author: George F. Oster
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 9780691023618
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 378

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Book Description
In this pathbreaking and far-reaching work George Oster and Edward Wilson provide the first fully developed theory of caste evolution among the social insects. Furthermore, in studying the effects of natural selection in generally increasing the insects' ergonomic efficiency, they go beyond the concentration of previous researchers on the physiological mechanisms of the insects and turn our attention instead to the scale and efficiency of the insects' division of labor. Recognizing that the efficiency of the insect colony is based on a complex fitting of the division of labor to many simultaneous needs, including those imposed by the distribution of resources and enemies around the nest, Professors Oster and Wilson are able to construct a series of mathematical models to characterize the agents of natural selection that promote particular caste systems. The social insects play a key role in the subject of sociobiology because their social organization is so rigid and can be related to genetic evolution. Because of this important consideration, the authors' work has consequences not only for entomology but also for general evolutionary theory.

Social Insects

Social Insects PDF Author: M. V. Brian
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 940095915X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 386

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Book Description
Here is a guide to the ecology of social insects. It is intended for general ecologists and entomologists as well as for undergraduates and those about to start research on social insects; even the experienced investigator may find the comparison between different groups of social insects illuminating. Most technical terms are translated into common language as far as can be done without loss of accuracy but scientific names are unavoidable. Readers will become familiar with the name even though they cannot visualize the animal and could reflect that only a very few of the total species have been studied so far! References too are essential and with these it should be possible to travel more deeply into the vast research literature, still increasing monthly. When I have cited an author in another author's paper, this implies that I have not read the original and the second author must take responsi bility for accuracy! Many hands and heads have helped to make this book. I thank all my colleagues past and present for their enduring though critical support, and I thank with special pleasure: E. ]. M. Evesham who fashioned the diagrams; ]. Free, D. J. Stradling and]. P. E. C. Darlington who supplied photographs; D. Y. Brian and R. A. Weller who were meticulous on the linguistic side; and G. Frith and R. M. Jones who collated the references. List of plates 1. Fungus combs of Acromyrmex octospinosus and Macrotermes michaelseni. 13 2. Mouthparts of larval Myrmica.

The Ergonomics of Caste in the Social Insects

The Ergonomics of Caste in the Social Insects PDF Author: E O Wilson
Publisher: Legare Street Press
ISBN: 9781016230865
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Morphological Integration

Morphological Integration PDF Author: Everett C. Olson
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
ISBN: 9780226629056
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 380

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Book Description
Despite recent advances in genetics, development, anatomy, systematics, and morphometrics, the synthesis of ideas and research agenda put forth in the classic Morphological Integration remains remarkably fresh, timely, and relevant. Pioneers in reexamining morphology, Everett Olson and Robert Miller were among the first to explore the concept of the integrated organism in both living and extinct populations. In a new foreword and afterword, biologists Barry Chernoff and Paul Magwene summarize the landmark achievements made by Olson and Miller and bring matters discussed in the book up to date, suggest new methods, and accentuate the importance of continued research in morphological integration. Everett C. Olson was a professor at the University of Chicago and at the University of California, Los Angeles. He was a former president of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. Robert L. Miller was associate professor of geology at the University of Chicago, associate scientist in marine geology at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and a member of the board of editors of the Journal of Geology.

Comparative Social Evolution

Comparative Social Evolution PDF Author: Dustin R. Rubenstein
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1108132634
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 479

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Book Description
Darwin famously described special difficulties in explaining social evolution in insects. More than a century later, the evolution of sociality - defined broadly as cooperative group living - remains one of the most intriguing problems in biology. Providing a unique perspective on the study of social evolution, this volume synthesizes the features of animal social life across the principle taxonomic groups in which sociality has evolved. The chapters explore sociality in a range of species, from ants to primates, highlighting key natural and life history data and providing a comparative view across animal societies. In establishing a single framework for a common, trait-based approach towards social synthesis, this volume will enable graduate students and investigators new to the field to systematically compare taxonomic groups and reinvigorate comparative approaches to studying animal social evolution.

The Ergonomics of Caste in the Social Insects

The Ergonomics of Caste in the Social Insects PDF Author: Edward O. Wilson
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 26

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Book Description