Harvard University evolutionary biologist Naomi Pierce began studying Lycaenidae butterflies as a graduate student in the 1980s. But only recently has she accumulated enough data, from her team’s work and others’, to begin to address the question that has long … Continue reading
Journal Club
Highlighting recent, timely papers selected by Academy member labs
Tag Archives: ants
Journal Club: Butterflies get diversity boost from associations with ants, plants
Categories: Animal Behavior | Evolution | Genetics | Journal Club
Tagged ants, butterfly, caterpillars, diversity, evolution, genetic drift, macroevolution, molecular evolution, speciation
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Journal Club: CRISPR elucidates genetic basis of social behavior in ants
Drosophila has been a workhorse of genetics for roughly a century. But as a solitary insect, it hasn’t allowed researchers to investigate the genetic basis of complex social behavior in ants and bees. Now, a pair of studies published today in … Continue reading
Categories: Animal Behavior | Biochemistry | Genetics | Journal Club
Tagged ants, CRISPR, drosophila, odorant receptor, social behavior, social insects
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Cheaters always prosper, to a point
Is it better to cooperate or cheat? To work for the good of others, or focus on yourself? This classic self vs. group conflict is a common musing of game theorists and experimental economics known as the “public goods dilemma.” … Continue reading
Categories: Ecology | Evolution
Tagged ants, behavior, game theory, insects, social insects
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