Ellis, Samuel, Procter, Duncan, Buckham-Bonnett, Phillip et al. (1 more author) (2017) Inferring polydomy:a review of spatial, functional and genetic methods for identifying colony boundaries. Insectes Sociaux. pp. 19-37. ISSN 1420-9098
Abstract
Identifying the boundaries of a social insect colony is vital for properly understanding its ecological function and evolution. Many species of ants are polydomous: colonies inhabit multiple, spatially separated, nests. Ascertaining which nests are parts of the same colony is an important consideration when studying polydomous populations. In this paper, we review the methods that are used to identify which nests are parts of the same polydomous colony and to determine the boundaries of colonies. Specifically, we define and discuss three broad categories of approach: identifying nests sharing resources, identifying nests sharing space, and identifying nests sharing genes. For each of these approaches, we review the theoretical basis, the limitations of the approach and the methods that can be used to implement it. We argue that all three broad approaches have merits and weaknesses, and provide a methodological comparison to help researchers select the tool appropriate for the biological question they are investigating.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © The Author(s) 2016. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com |
Keywords: | networks,social insects,cooperation,conflict,sociobiology,behavioural ecology,foraging,spatial ecology,ants,genetic structure,kin recognition,methods |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Biology (York) |
Funding Information: | Funder Grant number NATURAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL NE/J01794/1 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL (NERC) NE/L008904/1 THE ROYAL SOCIETY DH090078 |
Depositing User: | Pure (York) |
Date Deposited: | 08 Dec 2016 11:56 |
Last Modified: | 24 Jan 2025 00:07 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s00040-016-0534-7 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1007/s00040-016-0534-7 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:109209 |
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