Energetics reveals physiologically distinct castes in a eusocial mammal

Article Abstract:

Division of labour between morphologically distinct 'castes' characterizes Eusociality, which occurs among mammals only in two species of African mole-rat. In Damaraland mole-rats, colony labour is divided between 'infrequent worker' and 'frequent worker' castes, where frequent workers are active year-round and together perform more than 95% of the total work of the colony, whereas infrequent workers might act as dispersers, with dispersal being limited to comparatively rare periods when the soil is softened by moisture.

Public affairs, Africa, Social aspects, Behavior, Genetic aspects, Social behavior in animals, Animal social behavior, Moles (Animals), Moles (Mammals), Animal social behaviour

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Ammonia mediates communication between yeast colonies

Article Abstract:

Research shows that yeasts in neighbouring colonies are capable of long-distance signalling. The inter-colony signal is facilitated by the alkaline compound ammonia which yeast colonies transmit in pulses. The medium is acidified after the first, non-directed alkaline pulse, while the second, enhanced pulse is directed at the neighbour colony. The facing parts of each colony experience growth inhibition as a result of ammonia signalling.

Research, Ammonia, Yeast, Yeast (Food product)

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