Reproductive Soldier Development Is Controlled by Direct Physical Interactions with Reproductive and Soldier Termites

Soldier-Specific Modification of the Mandibular Motor Neurons in Termites

Social insects exhibit a variety of caste-specific behavioral tendencies that constitute the basis of division of labor within the colony. In termites, the soldier caste display distinctive defense behaviors, such as aggressively attacking enemies with well-developed mandibles, while the other castes retreat into the colony without exhibiting any aggressive response. It is thus likely that some...

Social organization in a flatworm: trematode parasites form soldier and reproductive castes.

In some of the most complex animal societies, individuals exhibit a cooperative division of labour to form castes. The most pronounced types of caste formation involve reproductive and non-reproductive forms that are morphologically distinct. In colonies comprising separate or mobile individuals, this type of caste formation has been recognized only among the arthropods, sea anemones and mole-r...

The Soldier and Autonomy

Sergeant Varisano was part of an art team called upon to document Operation Desert Shield in the Persian Gulf War. This watercolor, depicting the loneliness and responsibility of guard duty, also depicts all soldiers who, by virtue of being soldiers, set aside their individual autonomy for this period to be part of the team and the mission.

Soldier rehabilitation.

Is reproductive ageing controlled by the brain?

Female reproductive function is controlled by complex interactions of the brain, pituitary gland and ovary. Each of these organs produces unique hormones, and each hormone acts upon the other organs to affect a response. Differentiating the causes and the consequences of reproductive senescence in mammals is thus a 'chicken and egg' puzzle. Surprisingly, recent evidence indicates a more importa...