Question

4. Describe the unusual social organization of the naked mole rat. What are the advantages of group formation for this species? What environmental factors might have been responsible?

Answer 1

Ans. It is believed that the unusual social organisation of the naked mole rat plays a role in its long lifespan. Naked mole rat is eusocial. In naked mole rat groups, there is only one 'queen' and the rest of the members of the colony plays supporting roles. These are the only mammals who have evolved this type of highly coordinated social structure.

The advantages of group formation includes reduction in the number of breeders and also they remain protected and fed by the other members of group.

It is believed that their lifespan increased with this social organisation. Even if they are attacked by predators, the members of the group protects the breeding female.

The evolutionary theory of aging explains that when species faces a number of factors like reduced mortality, environmental hazards and other threats like predation, the reproduction is delayed in them. And when reproduction is delayed, so is senescence and this contributes to the specie's old age.