Ebook: Social Insects: An Evolutionary Approach to Castes and Reproduction

Evolution of Castes in Insects l BERNHARD RENSCH The evolution of organisms in the succession of generations has been primarilly achieved through the appearance of new hereditary variants with minor deviations along with the development of stable structures and functions. Harmful mutants were eradicated either immediately or in the subsequent generations through the process of natural selection while unharmful or advantageous ones usually survived. As this process continued, many new races and species developed which possessed structures and functions of a rational nature and which became increasingly independent from their environment. These evolutionary tendencies were also promoted through either geographical, ecological, physiological or genetical isolation of populations. In some phylogenetic lines, there occurred an increase in the number of cells due to additional cellular divisions in the morphogenesis of structures. This opened up the possibility for the development of the division of labour within cellular groups leading to more complicated and consequently more successful functions of tissues and organs. A further advancement in the adaptation of a species to its environment was made possible through specialization for certain functions of whole individuals or groups of individuals.

---

"The main emphasis of the various chapters is upon the ontogeny of reproductive castes and the mechanisms, behavioural and physiological, involved in the development of reproductive status.... broad authoritative coverage and clear presentation will make it a valuable work of reference." (Animal Behaviour) "This book must be regarded as a mile-stone in our knowledge about castes and reproduction of social insects and can be highly recommended." (Ethology)

---

"The main emphasis of the various chapters is upon the ontogeny of reproductive castes and the mechanisms, behavioural and physiological, involved in the development of reproductive status.... broad authoritative coverage and clear presentation will make it a valuable work of reference." (Animal Behaviour) "This book must be regarded as a mile-stone in our knowledge about castes and reproduction of social insects and can be highly recommended." (Ethology)
Content:
Front Matter....Pages I-V
Evolution of Castes in Insects....Pages 1-2
Perception of Caste Problems....Pages 3-4
Sexual Castes and Reproductive Strategies in Termites....Pages 5-35
Regulation of Worker and Queen Formation in Ants with Special Reference to Reproduction and Colony Development....Pages 37-57
Physiology and Reproduction in Social Wasps....Pages 59-75
Reproduction and Castes in Social Halictine Bees....Pages 77-121
Castes in Xylocopine Bees....Pages 123-146
Castes and Reproduction in Bumblebees....Pages 147-166
Caste Development, Reproductive Strategies, and Control of Fertility in Honey Bees and Stingless Bees....Pages 167-230
Differentiation in Reproductive Physiology and Behaviour During the Development of Laying Worker Honey Bees....Pages 231-243
Regulatory Steps in Caste Development of Eusocial Bees....Pages 245-264
Back Matter....Pages 265-265

---

"The main emphasis of the various chapters is upon the ontogeny of reproductive castes and the mechanisms, behavioural and physiological, involved in the development of reproductive status.... broad authoritative coverage and clear presentation will make it a valuable work of reference." (Animal Behaviour) "This book must be regarded as a mile-stone in our knowledge about castes and reproduction of social insects and can be highly recommended." (Ethology)
Content:
Front Matter....Pages I-V
Evolution of Castes in Insects....Pages 1-2
Perception of Caste Problems....Pages 3-4
Sexual Castes and Reproductive Strategies in Termites....Pages 5-35
Regulation of Worker and Queen Formation in Ants with Special Reference to Reproduction and Colony Development....Pages 37-57
Physiology and Reproduction in Social Wasps....Pages 59-75
Reproduction and Castes in Social Halictine Bees....Pages 77-121
Castes in Xylocopine Bees....Pages 123-146
Castes and Reproduction in Bumblebees....Pages 147-166
Caste Development, Reproductive Strategies, and Control of Fertility in Honey Bees and Stingless Bees....Pages 167-230
Differentiation in Reproductive Physiology and Behaviour During the Development of Laying Worker Honey Bees....Pages 231-243
Regulatory Steps in Caste Development of Eusocial Bees....Pages 245-264
Back Matter....Pages 265-265
....