Reproductive Cessation and Post-Reproductive Lifespan in Honeybee Workers.

ABSTRACT: The post-reproductive lifespan is an evolutionary enigma because the cessation of reproduction in animals seems contrary to the maximization of Darwinian fitness. Several theories aim to explain the evolution of menopause, one of which suggests that females of a certain age receive more fitness benefits via indirect selection (kin selection) than they would directly from continuing reproduction. Post-reproductive lifespans are not very common in nature but have been described in humans, nonhuman primates, a few species of toothed whales, guppies, and in some insect societies consisting of clonal colony members, such as aphid and ant societies. Here, we provide evidence that menopause also exists in honeybee societies. Our study shows that workers with a short life expectancy (older and/or

SUBMITTER: Kuszewska K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11117506 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature