Testing theories of conflict resolution using vespinae wasps as a modal system

• Grant number: 04/02550-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: June 10, 2004
• End date: September 09, 2004
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Animal Behavior
• Principal Investigator: Fábio Santos do Nascimento
• Grantee: Fábio Santos do Nascimento
• Host Investigator: Francis L.W. Ratnieks
• Host Institution: Pessoa Física
• Institution abroad: University of Sheffield, England

Abstract

Societies are subject to internal conflicts because the interests of individuals vary. In insect societies conflicts revolve around colony reproduction, the rearing of young queens and males, and are manifested as manipulation of reproduction. For example, a worker may bias the sex ratio of the colony's young males and queens during brood rearing, thereby favoring the rearing of more related sisters over brothers. Reproductive conflict is divisive and can reduce the success of the society as a whole. Hence, mechanisms are required to resolve conflict. This study will test theoretical predictions concerning the roles of two key factors, kinship and coercion, in resolving conflict in societies of Vespinae wasps. Two types will be studied: centralized queen policing and decentralized worker policing. (AU)