Aging and social homeostasis in social insects

TL;DRAbstract

Main topics of this thesis are aging and social homeostasis in eusocial insects in light of the evolutionary biology. The keystone of studies presented here are questions how eusociality evolved and is maintained. Chapter 1 comprises a review of theories concerning evolution of eusociality, evolutionary theories of aging, as well as major issues regarding aging of eusocial insects and social homeostasis. Chapter 2 presents studies on sexual cooperation and longevity in honeybee (Apis mellifera). Contrary to solitary insects, in eusocial species insemination itself is expected to increase lifespan of a female. However testing this prediction on honeybee turned out to be impossible as (1) queens inseminated with non-viable sperm are recognized and killed by workers, and (2) they experience increased mortality when kept in semi-isolation (queen bank approach). Studies presented in chapter 3 exemplify mechanism protecting social insect colonies from the spread of pathogen. Moribund workers

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