Evolution of obligate asexuality in termites with mixed‐sex societies

Abstract

AbstractMales are a ubiquitous feature of animals and play crucial roles beyond the contribution of gametes in some species (e.g., paternal care for offspring and nuptial gifts for females). In termites, colonies commonly consist of both male and female reproductives, workers, and soldiers (i.e., mixed‐sex societies), where males and females both play critical roles beyond reproduction (e.g., brood care, foraging, nest construction and maintenance, and colony defense). Male‐specific roles may also exist in termite colonies. While obligate asexuality had not been observed in any termite population until recently, all‐female asexual populations of the termite Glyptotermes nakajimai were reported in 2018. This was the first and only known case of evolutionary transition from mixed‐sex to all‐female asexual societies in animals. Here, asexual reproduction in termites is first reviewed, followed by a discussion of how and why G. nakajimai evolved obligate asexuality. The study of the evolution of obligate asexuality in termites with mixed‐sex societies is important because it may enhance our understanding of the significance of males in animal societies and populations.