title: Percolation in insect nest networks: evidence for optimal wiring.
abstract: Optimization has been shown to be a driving force for the evolution of some biological structures, such as neural maps in the brain or transport networks. Here we show that insect networks also display characteristic traits of optimality. By using a graph representation of the chamber organization of termite nests and a disordered lattice model, it is found that these spatial nests are close to a percolation threshold. This suggests that termites build efficient systems of galleries spanning most of the nest volume at low cost. The evolutionary consequences are outlined.
authors: Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Dr. Aiguader 80, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Sergi
authors: S
authors: Valverde
authors: Bernat
authors: B
authors: Corominas-Murtra
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Perna
authors: Pascale
authors: P
authors: Kuntz
authors: Guy
authors: G
authors: Theraulaz
authors: Ricard V
authors: RV
authors: Solé