subsocial sequence

The term "subsocial" describes animal behavior that is incompletely social, meaning animals tend to associate together but lack a fixed or complex social organization. This contrasts with more complex social structures like those found in eusocial species, which exhibit cooperative brood care, distinct castes, and overlapping generations.12

The subsocial sequence, one route to eusociality, involves increasing association between females and their offspring. This can progress from females providing temporary care before their young mature, to offspring assisting in rearing subsequent broods. While social behavior can involve cooperation, it is often characterized by competition for resources and survival. The study of social behavior examines the costs and benefits of these interactions, ranging from simple aggregations to highly organized societies.23