Superorganismal Anisogamy: A Comparative Test of an Extended Theory

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ID: 319471
2026
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Abstract
Abstract Multicellular organisms and superorganisms (e.g., ant colonies) are both products of major evolutionary transitions in individuality, and they share many analogous traits. Theory developed to explain the evolution of one such trait, anisogamy, has recently been adapted to explain its superorganismal analogue: large egg-like queens and small sperm-like males. To test this theory with comparative data, we first extended it to determine if changing how multi-queen colonies arise affects the model’s predictions. We then used data from 732 ant species to investigate the effects of colony size, worker caste number, and queen number on queen size (thorax volume) and queen-male dimorphism. Queen size and queen-male size dimorphism both increased with colony size and number of worker castes, consistent with predictions. Contrary to predictions, queen size and queen-male size dimorphism were not associated with queen number. To further understand the commonalities and idiosyncrasies of evolution at different hierarchical levels, future work should consider the adaptive and non-adaptive causes for correlated evolution between queen and male, and egg and sperm sizes.
Reference Key
openalex_W7167050395 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Philip A. Downing, Jussi Lehtonen, Louis Bell‐Roberts, Heikki Helanterä
Journal international journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/evolut/qpag120
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/evolut/qpag120
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