Why is eusociality an almost exclusively terrestrial phenomenon?

Eusociality has evolved multiple times across diverse terrestrial taxa, and eusocial species fundamentally shape many terrestrial ecosystems. However, eusocial species are far less common and have much less ecological impact, in aquatic than terrestrial environments. Here, we offer a potential expla...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of animal ecology 2014-11, Vol.83 (6), p.1248-1255
Main Authors: Ruxton, Graeme D, Humphries, Stuart, Morrell, Lesley J, Wilkinson, David M, White, Andy
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal behavior
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Animals
ants
aquatic ecosystems
Biological and medical sciences
Biological Evolution
Crustacea
Ecosystem
environmental impact
Evolution
Formicidae
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
General aspects
Hymenoptera
Invertebrates
Isoptera
Nesting Behavior
nests
Predation
progeny
shrimp
Social Behavior
social insects
sociality
termites
Terrestrial ecosystems
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Summary:Eusociality has evolved multiple times across diverse terrestrial taxa, and eusocial species fundamentally shape many terrestrial ecosystems. However, eusocial species are far less common and have much less ecological impact, in aquatic than terrestrial environments. Here, we offer a potential explanation for these observations. It appears that a precondition for the evolution of eusociality is the defence and repeated feeding of offspring in a nest or other protected cavity, and so eusocial species must be able to exploit a predator‐safe, long‐lasting (multigenerational) expandable nest. We argue that a range of factors mean that opportunities for such nests are much more widespread and the advantages more compelling in terrestrial than aquatic ecosystems.
ISSN:0021-8790
1365-2656
DOI:10.1111/1365-2656.12251