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Eusociality can be explained as: cooperative intergenerational care of those in a group upon which the individuals comprising the group rely. Individuals in a eusocial group are necessarily reliant on the group for their own survival, and therefore put the needs of the group (both current and future) before their own. In most animal groups, this will be genetically related individuals. But we inventive, poetic humans might define our groups more broadly. For example, as chosen family, geographically local community members, an intentional living community, online affinity groups, or even all the human and more-than-human beings on whom we depend for survival. Let’s take our conversation about the awe-someness of bugs a bit further, and explore what honey bees (and other eusocial animals) can teach us about caring for ourselves, each other, and the ecosystems of which we are a part. This conversation will perfectly prime us for our conversation next week on the rich history and current forms of mutual aid - which is rooted in the study of sociobiology, evolution and kin selection.
Recommended Resources for this EcoGathering: