On the evolution of multicellularity and eusociality

Bull, Larry

Abstract

In this article versions of the abstract NKC model are used to examine the conditions under which two significant evolutionary phenomena - multicellularity and eusociality - are likely to occur and why. First, comparisons in evolutionary performance are made between simulations of unicellular organisms and very simple multicellular-like organisms, under varying conditions. The results show that such multicellularity without differentiation appears selectively neutral, but that differentiation to soma (nonreproductives) proves beneficial as the amount of epistasis in the fitness landscape increases. This is explained by considering mutations in the generation of daughter cells and their subsequent effect on the propagule's fitness. This is interpreted as a simple example of the Baldwin effect. Second, the correspondences between multicellularity and eusociality are highlighted, particularly that both contain individuals who do not reproduce. The same process is then used to explain the emergence of eusocial colonies. © 1999 Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 1999
• Journal: Artificial Life
• Print ISSN: 1064-5462
• Electronic ISSN: 1530-9185
• Publisher: Massachusetts Institute of Technology Press (MIT Press)
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 5
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 1-15
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1162/106454699568656
• Keywords: Baldwin effect, eusocial colonies, genetic algorithm, multicellular organisms, NKC model
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1097842
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1162/106454699568656