Tragedy of the commons in Melipona bees.
In human society selfish use of common resources can lead to disaster, a situation known as the 'tragedy of the commons' (TOC). Although a TOC is usually prevented by coercion, theory predicts that close kinship ties can also favour reduced exploitation. We test this prediction using data on a TOC occurring in Melipona bee societies.
Wenseleers
Tom
T
Laboratory of Apiculture and Social Insects, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK. tom.wenseleers@bio.kuleuven.ac.be
Ratnieks
Francis L W
FL
D000818:Animals; D001516:Bees / Q000502:physiology*; D005075:Biological Evolution; D003163:Competitive Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology; D012930:Social Dominance