IBE (CSIC-UPF): Scientists describe the molecular basis of termite social organisation

Despite having different evolutionary origins, termites, ants and bees have developed similar molecular approaches towards social organisation.

This is the conclusion of a study involving IBE researchers Xavier Bellés, M Dolors Piulachs, and Guillem Ylla, and published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution. “This is a classic case of convergent evolution: starting from a different origin, termites, bees, and ants have developed similar molecular mechanisms for the same social lifestyle, as they are subjected to similar selective pressures”, says first author of the study, Mark Harrison, from the Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity at the University of Münster. –CSS/PRBB

More info:
IBE website

Reference:
Harrison M. C., Jongepier E., Robertson H. M. et al. (2018): Hemimetabolous genomes reveal molecular basis of termite eusociality; Nature Ecology and Evolution, doi:10.1038/s41559-017-0459-1