Robinson, E. J. H. orcid.org/0000-0003-4914-9327 (2009) Physiology as a caste-defining feature. Insectes Sociaux. p. 16. ISSN 1420-9098
Abstract
Division of labour is a key factor in the ecological success of social insects. Groups of individuals specializing on a particular behaviour are known as castes and are usually distinguished by morphology or age. Physiology plays a key role in both these types of caste, in either the developmental physiology which determines morphology, or the temporal changes in physiology over an insect's life. Physiological correlates of morphological or temporal caste include differences in gland structure, secretory products, leanness, neuroanatomy and neurochemistry. However, purely physiological castes could also occur. Physiological castes are discrete groups of same-age same-size individuals with particular physiological competencies, or groups of individuals with similar physiology crossing age or size groups. A stable physiological caste occurs in the monomorphic Pharaoh's ant, where some ants can detect old pheromone trails and retain this specialization over time. These ants differ physiologically from other workers, and the differences arise before eclosion. More temporary physiological castes occur in the ant Ectatomma where brood care specialists have more developed ovarioles than other same-aged workers, and in the honeybee where nurses, wax-workers and soldiers all differ physiologically from same-aged nestmates. Physiology is an important aspect of caste, not only in its contribution to age-related and morphological castes, but also in its own right as a caste grouping factor. While age and morphological differences make caste structures accessible for study, more cryptic physiological castes may play just as important a role in division of labour.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Keywords: | Caste,division of labour,physiology,social insects,polyethism,DIVISION-OF-LABOR,HONEY-BEE COLONIES,AGE-RELATED-CHANGES,APIS-MELLIFERA,MANDIBULAR GLAND SECRETION,ants,neurophysiology,morphology,JUVENILE-HORMONE,MUSHROOM BODIES |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Biology (York) |
Depositing User: | Pure (York) |
Date Deposited: | 07 Jun 2012 12:03 |
Last Modified: | 21 Jan 2025 17:14 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s00040-008-1035-0 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1007/s00040-008-1035-0 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:46210 |
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Filename: RobinsonPhysiologicalCastes2009.pdf
Description: Physiology as a caste-defining feature