Eusocial

Definition

A social system where individuals, typically in a colony, exhibit cooperative behavior, division of labor, and care for offspring, with some individuals being non-reproductive.

Etymology

From Greek 'eus-', meaning 'good' or 'truly', and 'social'.

Example

Eusocial insects like honey bees and ants live in highly structured colonies with a queen, workers, and drones.

Related Terms

• Colony
• Queen
• Workers
• Drones
• Social Insects

Usage Notes

Eusociality is characterized by overlapping generations within a colony, cooperative care of brood, and a division of individuals into reproductive and non-reproductive groups.