Comparative Social Evolution

Darwin famously described special difficulties in explaining social evolution in insects. More than a century later, the evolution of sociality - defined broadly as cooperative group living - remains one of the most intriguing problems in biology. Providing a unique perspective on the study of social evolution, this volume synthesizes the features of animal social life across the principle taxonomic groups in which sociality has evolved. The chapters explore sociality in a range of species, from ants to primates, highlighting key natural and life history data and providing a comparative view across animal societies. In establishing a single framework for a common, trait-based approach towards social synthesis, this volume will enable graduate students and investigators new to the field to systematically compare taxonomic groups and reinvigorate comparative approaches to studying animal social evolution.

About the Author

Dustin R. Rubenstein is an Associate Professor of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology at Columbia University, New York and Director of the Center for Integrative Animal Behavior. His research focuses on the causes and consequences of sociality and how animals adapt to environmental change. He has been recognized by the US National Academy of Sciences as a Kavli Fellow for his research accomplishments, and as an Education Fellow in the Sciences for his innovation in STEM teaching.

Patrick Abbot is an Associate Professor and Vice-Chair of Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt University, Tennessee. His research includes the evolution and ecology of group living invertebrates. He has served as an Associate Editor for the journal Evolution and is a recipient of the Jeffrey Nordhaus Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.