Abstract

This article outlines the rationale for a molecular genetic study of social behavior, and explains why social insects are good models. Summaries of research on brain and behavior in two species, honey bees and fire ants, are presented to illustrate the richness of the behavioral phenomena that can be addressed with social insects and to show how they are beginning to be used to study genes that influence social behavior. We conclude by considering the problems and potential of this emerging field.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1099-1108
Number of pages10
JournalBioEssays
Volume19
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1997

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)

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