Division of labour in ant colonies in terms of attractive fields

Arcaute, Elsa; Christensen, Kim; Sendova‐Franks, Ana B.; Dahl, Torbjørn S.; Espinosa, Ángela; Jensen, Henrik J.

doi:10.1016/j.ecocom.2008.10.001

Cited by 15 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 21 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Existing research using this approach typically limit their focus on one specific global task (Gerkey & Mataric, 2004). Within the context of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) project, "Defying the Rules: How Self-regulatory Systems Work", we have proposed to solve the above mentioned self-regulated DOL problem in an alternate way (Arcaute et al, 2008). Our approach is inspired from the studies of emergence of task-allocation in both biological and human social systems.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Bio-Inspired Communication for Self-Regulated Multi-Robot Sytems

Sarker¹,

Dahl²

2011

Multi-Robot Systems, Trends and Development

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Bio-Inspired Communication for Self-Regulated Multi-Robot Sytems

Sarker¹,

Dahl²

2011

Multi-Robot Systems, Trends and Development

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

“…; Arcaute et al. ). Because we used focal recorder sampling during the bioassays, we could not measure the distances between different workers and an intruder.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…; Sendova‐Franks & Franks ; Gordon & Mehdiabadi ; Powell & Tschinkel ; Arcaute et al. ; Robinson et al. ).…”

Section: Introductionunclassified

Fine Individual Specialization and Elitism among Workers of the Ant Ectatomma tuberculatum for a Highly Specific Task: Intruder Removal

et al. 2014

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Insect societies are characterized by a relatively sophisticated division of labor; they form tightly knit groups that must effectively exclude non-members from the colony. However, the Neotropical predatory ant Ectatomma tuberculatum can harbor several specific myrmecophiles and, in particular, various eucharitid parasitoid wasp species. Adult wasps eclose in the host nests and are removed by worker ants without harm. Previous observations suggest that only a few workers perform this task. To test this hypothesis, we introduced different types of intruders, live and dead, pentane-washed broad-nosed grain weevil individuals (Caulophilus oryzae) and dead, pentane-washed eucharitids (Dilocantha lachaudii), into laboratory colonies containing individually marked workers. We recorded all encounters and behaviors until the intruders were removed. Certain workers removed intruders more frequently than expected by chance. The number of encounters with an intruder was positively correlated with the number of removals performed by the workers. For each nest, a small group of workers was identified as specialized in intruder removal. A subset of very committed workers in the specialists group that performed up to 57% of removals qualified as hyperspecialists or elite workers. The behavioral sequences differed based on the type and condition of the intruder: the sequence was more complex and included numerous aggressive behaviors (mandibular strikes and attempts at stinging) when workers encountered a live weevil. In contrast, the behavioral sequences with dead, pentane-washed insects were characterized by numerous detections through contact that did not lead to rejection and by the intruders simply being seized and removed from the nest. Overall, the data show that the ants discriminated between live and pentane-washed intruders and adjusted their behavior accordingly. This is the first demonstration in ants of both behavioral specialization and hyperspecialization in intruder removal.

show abstract

“…Additional improvements in the analysis could include real-time text-context analysis to monitor the relevance of communications as illustrated by Carley et al (2007). The combined features of the SNA, VSM and ORA can also bring an opportunity to continue with the development in the measure and design of self-organized structures, particularly when the variables to consider are the connectivity of individuals in the execution of tasks, distance to the task and knowledge, and specialization as described by Arcaute et al (2008). It can be suggested by poor internal connectivity within the S1 in addition to other symptoms of related pathologies such as strong connections from meta-systemic functions (S2-S5) and poor connectivity with the environment.…”

Section: Conclusion and Open Research Pathsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identification of organisational pathologies

Castro

Espinosa²

2019

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Purpose The purpose of this is to explore the potential of the combined use of the viable system model (VSM) and social network analysis (SNA) to identify organizational pathologies. Design/methodology/approach Using a well-documented case study based on an academic consultancy intervention and Action Research Project, participative methods for the diagnostic of the VSM and questionnaires for the collection of connectivity data for the SNA were used to develop a heuristic to integrate these two tools and identify organizational pathologies. Findings This study provides empirical evidence of the benefits of the combined use of SNA to enhance the identification of organizational pathologies in VSM interventions, by providing an additional qualitative and quantitative framework for the interpretation of findings coming from VSM organizational diagnostics. Research limitations/implications This work explores some analytic routines of SNA frequently used in management. The validation is constrained to the nature of the data set from a case study. The document invites to a discussion of further and more advanced applications on the integration of the VSM and SNA. Practical implications The enhanced identification of organizational pathologies can contribute to the emerging new interest in applications of the VSM in management, providing robustness to the structural analysis of organizations. Originality/value This paper proposes a guideline to exploit the potential of the combined use of SNA and VSM. It opens new avenues for the study of organizational pathologies.

show abstract

Division of labour in ant colonies in terms of attractive fields

Cited by 15 publications

References 21 publications

Bio-Inspired Communication for Self-Regulated Multi-Robot Sytems

Bio-Inspired Communication for Self-Regulated Multi-Robot Sytems

Fine Individual Specialization and Elitism among Workers of the Ant Ectatomma tuberculatum for a Highly Specific Task: Intruder Removal

Identification of organisational pathologies

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About