Abstract
Some of the types of conflicts occurring in insect societies are identical to those commonly observed in other animal groups. This chapter discusses the causes of the most important types of kin conflict, followed by an examination of how these conflicts are expressed. Hymenoptera details are shaped by the special genetic relationships resulting from haplodiploidy and also give rise to a number of conflicts, which are without parallel in diploid organisms. Research on conflict in insect societies is focused on a relatively small number of taxa. Types of conflicts and mechanisms of control discussed are: (1) conflict over the origin of males, (2) conflict over sex allocation, (3) queen-queen conflict over the partitioning of reproduction, and (4) some other types of conflicts such as––kin discrimination and caste differentiation. Potential conflict dictated by kin structure seems to lead to overt conflict only under certain conditions, suggesting that the degree of relatedness, although of major importance in the evolution of eusociality, is less influential on colony organization and the regulation of reproduction.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.