title: Why is eusociality an almost exclusively terrestrial phenomenon?
abstract: Eusociality has evolved multiple times across diverse terrestrial taxa, and eusocial species fundamentally shape many terrestrial ecosystems. However, eusocial species are far less common and have much less ecological impact, in aquatic than terrestrial environments. Here, we offer a potential explanation for these observations. It appears that a precondition for the evolution of eusociality is the defence and repeated feeding of offspring in a nest or other protected cavity, and so eusocial species must be able to exploit a predator-safe, long-lasting (multigenerational) expandable nest. We argue that a range of factors mean that opportunities for such nests are much more widespread and the advantages more compelling in terrestrial than aquatic ecosystems.
authors.affiliation: School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY12 9TH, UK.
authors.forename: Graeme D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Ruxton
authors.affiliation: School of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK.
authors.forename: Stuart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Humphries
authors.affiliation: School of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK.
authors.forename: Lesley J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Morrell
authors.affiliation: School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D017753:Ecosystem; D009425:Nesting Behavior; D012919:Social Behavior
keywords: ants; shrimp; social insects; sociality; termites