Flashcards on Social Organization in Animals
Social Organization in Animals: Types, Benefits & Examples
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Eusocial animal societies
13 cards
Card 1
Question: What is eusociality in animals?
Answer: Living in a cooperative group in which usually one female and several males are reproductively active while non-breeding individuals care for the youn
Card 2
Question: Why are eusocial animals considered the most advanced form of social organisation?
Answer: Because they live in colonies with specialized roles, a dominant breeding pair or single queen, and a strict caste system that promotes cooperative su
Card 3
Question: What common features define colonies of eusocial animals?
Answer: A dominant breeding pair or single female (queen), non-breeding individuals with distinct tasks, and a strict caste system.
Card 4
Question: List typical tasks performed by non-breeding castes in eusocial colonies.
Answer: Collecting food, caring for the young, building, maintaining and protecting the nest.
Card 5
Question: How has eusociality been important in evolution?
Answer: Eusociality is a major evolutionary innovation that involved changes in life history, structure and behaviour.
Card 6
Question: What are alates in termite colonies and what is their role?
Answer: Alates are winged termites that appear in the rainy season, mate in pairs, and each pair can found a new colony.
Card 7
Question: Describe what happens to alates after mating in termites.
Answer: After losing their wings, the pair burrow underground; the female becomes queen and the male becomes king of the new colony.
Card 8
Question: How does the termite queen reproduce and what is notable about her egg-laying?
Answer: The queen continuously lays thousands of eggs each week, and in some species her egg-filled abdomen can extend up to 10 cm.
Card 9
Question: What role does the king play in termite colonies compared to bees, wasps and ants?
Answer: Unlike bees, wasps and ants, the termite king plays a continuous part, mating with the queen at regular intervals.
Card 10
Question: Who are the young reproductives in a termite colony?
Answer: Young termites that will either become new alates (future queens and kings) or supplementary reproductives that can replace the queen and king if they