Abstract:

The classic model of queen resource allocation by Macevicz and Oster predicts maximal fitness with a “bang-bang” strategy; an initial investment phase of worker rearing, followed by a production phase of solely reproductive rearing. This has been well-verified with altered conditions and assumptions for continuous differential equation models. In the current study, these basic claims are verified and I propose a simplified simulation model, uniquely accounting for random events such as forager death and forager success. I show the differing results of the continuous and simulation models and illustrate the limited capacity of current theories for modelling risk in the annual social insect resource allocation problem. Given a wide variety of possible environmental conditions and resource allocation strategies, this simulation provides great utility in measuring fitness and robustness. Current findings include non-standard variability in reproductive yield (reminiscent of early worker death) under realistic environmental conditions, suggesting great importance of risk assessment in early annual social insect queens.

A final project for Neuroscience Research Methods.

Ants are known to be central-place foragers, employing many well-studied methods for returning home successfully. Once "home", some species begin circling outward until they find the nest entrance.

In this study, we investigated the effects of caffeine on home locating by observing home circling behavior. While no statistical differences were found in expected location, we found standard deviation of turning location to decrease in caffeinated subjects.