Research on pine sawflies sheds light on the evolution of cooperation

Research on pine sawflies sheds light on the evolution of cooperation

6 years ago
Anonymous $oIHRkISgaL

https://phys.org/news/2018-08-sawflies-evolution-cooperation.html

Pine sawfly larvae live in groups and put up a common defence against predators. When threatened, the larvae assume a defensive posture and regurgitate a fluid that repels predators.

The study shows that the larvae pay a price for this defence. Repeated participation in the common defence increases mortality of the larvae and weakens their ability to defend against predators and parasites in further encounters with them.