Complexity Digest 2006.44 - 04

30-Oct-2006

Genomics: How To Make A Social Insect, Nature Bookmark and Share

Excerpts: The profound biological changes that lofted the honeybee to an advanced state of social organization are reflected in its newly sequenced genome. The species can now be studied all the way from molecule to colony.

The transformation of an insect species from a solitary lifestyle to advanced colonial existence requires alterations in every system of the body, coupled with sufficient plasticity in the traits prescribed by the genes to generate strong differences among the adult castes.