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Biology

Kin Selection and Altruism in Eusocial Naked Mole Rats

Quick fact

Naked mole rats are one of only two mammal species known to live in eusocial colonies, where the queen is the only breeding female and most workers never reproduce, yet they help raise the queen's offspring.

Why this is interesting

Imagine a mammal that lives in a colony where only one female ever has babies, and everyone else works to raise her pups. Why would an animal give up its own reproduction to help others?