Social insects: Stochastic switches and behavioral maturation in ants

Curr Biol. 2021 May 24;31(10):R481-R483. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.03.076.

Abstract

Changes in behavior with age are widespread in social insects. Lifetime behavioral tracking of individual ants shows these changes are fast and stereotyped, yet stochastically timed. The finding may help shed light on the mechanisms of behavioral maturation and their role in division of labor in social insects.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ants*
  • Insecta
  • Social Behavior