what ecological circumstances does a species evolve a particular socially
parasitic life history? Do species generate their own social parasites
through sympatric speciation? If so, under what circumstances does this
occur, and to what extent does this explain the evolution of various forms
of social parasitism? Do different forms of social parasitism evolve into
one another and, if so, under what circumstances? To what extent do
social parasites influence the evolution of their host species? Do social
parasites switch host species and, if so, under what circumstances? Is
the apparent extreme rarity of social parasites real or illusory? Social
parasitism in ants has fascinated biologists for over a century, but there is
considerable potential for further research, new discoveries and a much
more thorough understanding of this amazing phenomenon.
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