Maternal manipulation of offspring size can trigger the evolution of eusociality in promiscuous species

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Rees-Baylis, Ella; Pen, Ido; Kreider, Jan J.
• 署名单位: University of Groningen; University of Bern
• 刊物名称: PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0027-13238
• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2402179121
• 发表日期: 2024-08-13
• 关键词: social-behavior; kin selection; worker production; r package; hymenoptera; altruism; monogamy; bivoltinism; diapause; origin

摘要

Eusocial organisms typically live in colonies with one reproductive queen supported by thousands of sterile workers. It is widely believed that monogamous mating is a precondition for the evolution of eusociality. Here, we present a theoretical model that simulates a realistic scenario for the evolution of eusociality. In the model, mothers can evolve control over resource allocation to offspring, affecting offspring's body size. The offspring can evolve body- size- dependent dispersal, by which they disperse to breed or stay at the nest as helpers. We demonstrate that eusociality can evolve even if mothers are not strictly monogamous, provided that they can constrain their offspring's reproduction through manipulation. We also observe the evolution of social polymorphism with small individuals that help and larger individuals that disperse to breed. Our model unifies the traditional kin selection and maternal manipulation explanations for the evolution of eusociality and demonstrates that-contrary to current consensus belief-eusociality can evolve despite highly promiscuous mating.