The evolution of behavioural and chemical regulation of reproduction in bee societies KU Leuven
Eusocial hymenopterans demonstrate remarkable altruism, showing an advanced reproductive division of labour in which a fertile queen lays the eggs and the largely sterile workers rear the queen’s offspring. Workers, however, usually retain the ability to activate their ovaries and lay unfertilised, male-destined eggs, thereby inciting possible conflict over male parentage. In response, multiple mechanisms to resolve reproductive conflicts ...