Title:
Social Biology of Insects
Social Biology of Insects
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Author(s)
Goodisman, Michael
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Abstract
Biological complexity has increased through a series of major evolutionary transitions. One of the most
recent transitions occurred when individually reproducing organisms came together to form integrated social
groups. The transition to sociality is best exemplified by the social insects, such as ants, social bees, social
wasps, and termites. Social insects have been ranked as ‘among the greatest achievements of organic
evolution’ because of the extraordinary levels of cooperation. In addition, social insects have been extremely
successful ecologically. In this presentation, I will introduce the life history strategies and evolutionary
significance of social insects. I will then discuss aspects of research within my group aimed at understanding
the molecular basis underlying sociality, the nature of selection in social systems, the breeding biology of
social animals, and the process of self-organization in social groups.
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Date Issued
2011-07-12
Extent
54:34 minutes
Resource Type
Moving Image
Resource Subtype
Lecture