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Full-Text Articles in Agriculture
New Insights Into The Function And Development Of The Soldier Caste In Termites, Li Tian
New Insights Into The Function And Development Of The Soldier Caste In Termites, Li Tian
Theses and Dissertations--Entomology
The evolution of nonreproductive castes is a defining characteristic of eusociality. The function and developmental regulation of the altruistic worker and soldier caste is the central element contributing to major advantages of eusociality over solitary animals. The soldier caste is the first evolved sterile caste in termites. Their primary function is believed to be colony defense. However, the function and development of termite soldiers remains largely unknown. Because of their apparent morphological adaptation for fighting and their limited behavior repertoire, our understanding of colony defense by termite soldiers is limited to their physical defense. In addition, we know little about …
A Comprehensive Understanding Of Corpse Management In Termites, Qian Sun
A Comprehensive Understanding Of Corpse Management In Termites, Qian Sun
Theses and Dissertations--Entomology
Undertaking behavior is the disposal of dead individuals in social colonies to prevent potential pathogenic attack. This behavioral trait has convergently evolved in social insects (primarily termites, ants, and honeybee), and is considered an essential adaptation to social living. In honey bee and ants, workers recognize dead colony members through the postmortem change of chemical profile, and corpses are usually removed out of nest. However, in termites, little is known about the behavioral pattern, chemical cue or molecular basis. In the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes, this study investigated undertaking behavior toward corpses of different origins and postmortem times. …