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On titles and royalty: a terminological discussion over castes in myrmecology

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Abstract

Our knowledge of the processes related to the expression of distinct phenotypes in ants has significantly increased in the past few years. However, myrmecologists still face significant difficulties while addressing distinct patterns related to reproductive biology in ants. In the present work, we provide a theoretical discussion on the current limitations found in the process of caste representation in myrmecology, based on terminological theories. We also discuss how organizational frameworks can be valuable to logically represent classes related to reproductive biology and colonial tasks in ant societies. Hence, we provide a tentative terminology based on organizational structures to represent caste concepts.

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Fig. 1

Adapted from Wheeler (1910)

Fig. 2

Modified from Vogt (2011)

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Notes

  1. Summarized by Vogt (2011).

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Acknowledgements

The authors are deeply grateful for the valuable comments of Christian Peeters and two anonymous reviewers, who pointed out many inconsistencies in previous versions of this manuscript. We are equally indebted to Brendon Boudinot, who reviewed a previous version of the manuscript and gave important feedback on the preliminary version of the ontology. We also would like to acknowledge Myrtle Pearl Shock and Bruno Sanches Ranzani da Silva for pointing out linguistic inadequacies throughout the text. This work was supported by the Brazilian Council of Research and Scientific Development (CNPq Grant 302462/2016-3) and the Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER) Science Program (NAS/USAID—project 3-188). TSRS acknowledges the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) for the grant received (process 40001016005P5).

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  1. Laboratório de Sistemática e Biologia de Formigas, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Avenida Coronel Francisco Heráclito dos Santos, s/n, Curitiba, 19020, Brazil

    T. S. R. Silva & R. M. Feitosa

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  1. T. S. R. Silva
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  2. R. M. Feitosa
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Correspondence to T. S. R. Silva.

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Silva, T.S.R., Feitosa, R.M. On titles and royalty: a terminological discussion over castes in myrmecology. Insect. Soc. 66, 25–35 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00040-018-0672-1

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