Task specialization and task switching in eusocial mammals

Mooney, Skyler J.; Filice, David C. S.; Douglas, Natasha R.; Holmes, Melissa M.

doi:10.1016/j.anbehav.2015.08.019

Cited by 42 publications

(51 citation statements)

References 33 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Consistent with present RFRP-3 expression patterns (study 2), more OT-producing cells are seen in the PVN of subordinates than NMR breeders, and this difference dissipates following colony removal and reproductive activation (43). Among subordinate colony members, RFRP-3-induced OT secretion may not only produce anxiolytic effects, but also preserve prosocial tendencies, including alloparental pup care and colony defense (63,64).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) suppresses sexual maturation in a eusocial mammal

Peragine

Pokarowski

Mendoza-Viveros

et al. 2017

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying social inhibition of puberty are not well understood. Here, we use a model exhibiting the most profound case of pubertal suppression among mammals to explore a role for RFamide-related peptide-3 [RFRP-3; mammalian ortholog to gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH)] in neuroendocrine control of reproductive development. Naked mole rats (NMRs) live in sizable colonies where breeding is monopolized by two to four dominant animals, and no other members exhibit signs of puberty throughout their lives unless they are removed from the colony. Because of its inhibitory action on the reproductive axis in other vertebrates, we investigated the role of RFRP-3 in social reproductive suppression in NMRs. We report that RFRP-3 immunofluorescence expression patterns and RFRP-3/GnRH cross-talk are largely conserved in the NMR brain, with the exception of the unique presence of RFRP-3 cell bodies in the arcuate nucleus (Arc). Immunofluorescence comparisons revealed that central expression of RFRP-3 is altered by reproductive status, with RFRP-3 immunoreactivity enhanced in the paraventricular nucleus, dorsomedial nucleus, and Arc of reproductively quiescent NMRs. We further observed that exogenous RFRP-3 suppresses gonadal steroidogenesis and mating behavior in NMRs given the opportunity to undergo puberty. Together, our findings establish a role for RFRP-3 in preserving reproductive immaturity, and challenge the view that stimulatory peptides are the ultimate gatekeepers of puberty.eusocial | GnIH | naked mole rat | puberty | RFRP-3

show abstract

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) suppresses sexual maturation in a eusocial mammal

Peragine

Pokarowski

Mendoza-Viveros

et al. 2017

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Task allocation has rarely been described in non-human mammals (e.g 33131516. We can assume that in free-ranging radio-tracked mole-rats a high proportion of radio-fixes close to the nest indicates guarding of the nest area.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Young and small individuals usually participate more in pup care while older and larger individuals are more often involved in group defence13141516. Interestingly, an individual’s task specialization can be switched according to the actual needs of the group16.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Variability of space-use patterns in a free living eusocial rodent, Ansell’s mole-rat indicates age-based rather than caste polyethism

Šklíba

Lövy

Burda

et al. 2016

Sci Rep

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Eusocial species of African mole-rats live in groups cooperating on multiple tasks and employing division of labour. In captivity, individuals of the same group differ in cooperative contribution as well as in preference for a particular task. Both can be viewed as polyethism. However, little information is available from free-ranging mole-rats, which live in large burrow systems. We made an attempt to detect polyethism in the free-living Ansell’s mole-rat (Fukomys anselli) as differences in individuals’ space-use patterns. We radio-tracked 17 adults from five groups. Large individuals, including breeding males, spent more time inside the nest than smaller individuals. Breeding females were more often located <10 m from the nest in comparison to non-breeding females, who were relatively more often located 30–90 m and exclusively >90 m from the nest. One non-breeding female even conducted a brief intrusion into a neighbouring group’s territory via an open tunnel connection. A significant part of the variability in mole-rat space-use patterns was explained by body mass which is probably related to age in this species. This result can therefore be attributed to age polyethism. There was no apparent discontinuity in the space-use patterns of non-breeders that would indicate existence of castes.

show abstract

“…Within stable naked molerat colonies, animals show evidence of behavioural specialization and distinct long-term roles (e.g. frequent workers, pup-carers, soldiers; Mooney, Filice, Douglas, & Holmes, 2015). These roles (or potential subcastes) are associated with different social profiles, with workers appearing more tolerant of unfamiliar conspecifics and soldiers being very aggressive to unfamiliar animals while less aggressive to their colony-mates Mooney et al, 2015).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…frequent workers, pup-carers, soldiers; Mooney, Filice, Douglas, & Holmes, 2015). These roles (or potential subcastes) are associated with different social profiles, with workers appearing more tolerant of unfamiliar conspecifics and soldiers being very aggressive to unfamiliar animals while less aggressive to their colony-mates Mooney et al, 2015). There can also be disperser morphs within naked mole-rat colonies: dispersers show fat accumulation, a tendency to leave the colony and solicitation of matings with unfamiliar animals (O'Riain, Jarvis, & Faulkes, 1996).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Olfaction and social cognition in eusocial naked mole-rats, Heterocephalus glaber

Toor

Clement²,

Carlson

et al. 2015

Animal Behaviour

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Task specialization and task switching in eusocial mammals

Cited by 42 publications

References 33 publications

RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) suppresses sexual maturation in a eusocial mammal

RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) suppresses sexual maturation in a eusocial mammal

Variability of space-use patterns in a free living eusocial rodent, Ansell’s mole-rat indicates age-based rather than caste polyethism

Olfaction and social cognition in eusocial naked mole-rats, Heterocephalus glaber

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About