Eusocial

Definition

Describing the highest level of social organization in a hierarchical classification, characterized by cooperative care of offspring, division of labor into reproductive and non-reproductive groups, and overlapping generations within a colony of adults.

Etymology

From Greek 'eu-', meaning 'good' or 'well', and Latin 'socialis', pertaining to society or community.

Example

Ants, bees, and termites are well-known eusocial insects, living in highly organized colonies with a strict division of labor.

Synonyms

• Social insects
• Highly social

Related Terms

• Colony
• Caste system
• Queen
• Worker
• Drone

Usage Notes

Eusociality is considered the most advanced form of social organization and is a rare phenomenon studied extensively in entomology and arachnology.