Experimentally measured group direct benefits according to worker density explain group living of the termite Reticulitermes chinensis.

ABSTRACT: The evolution of cooperation requires more benefits of group living than solitary lifestyle. However, to some degree, our understanding about the benefits is hindered by abstract debates over theoretical and experimental evidences of individual selection or group selection because it is difficult to examine the actual benefits at the group level. Moreover, group density is a crucial ecological factor which deeply affects group reproduction and survival, few studies have been performed in social insects. Here, we study the effects of worker density on group direct benefits in the termite species Reticulitermes chinensis. The termite R. chinensis is an ideal model which lives with a high worker density in wood. We used the quantity of eggs and the total biomass (biomass

SUBMITTER: Bai Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8258223 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature