In the animal kingdom, we are fascinated by the "true social" forms of bees and ants, which seem to be unique to insects, and are repeatedly quoted in science fiction novels and movies.
Among mammals, there is also the only species of true sociality, the naked mole rat.
Naked mole rats are truly a magical sight, and these pleated, large-plated tooth creatures are not only impressive for their unique appearance, but also for their excellent anti-cancer and anti-aging abilities.
Naked Mole Queen – Reign of Evil
Naked mole rats are amazing, their babies are born with abnormally well-developed brains and are more like newborn primates than rodents. Interestingly, their nerve cell composition is also very close to that of humans.
As mammals, naked mole rats live a more insect-like lifestyle. Like bees and ants, the world of naked mole rats is formed by a queen who gains dominance through struggle as the only breeder of the supreme herd, while the rest of the moles protect her from harm. Typically, a naked mole rat colony has about 300 members.
With a lifespan of more than 30 years, in addition to procreation, the Naked Mole Queen has other ways to build her evil empire...
Why evil? Like all other true social animals, naked mole rats can invade. When the sun goes down, naked mole rats infiltrate hostile colonies, kidnap enemy children, and then "brainwash" them into their own minions...
How to brainwash? As soon as the despicable act of stealing a child is completed, the captured child is immediately fed feces containing the Queen's hormone [spitting rainbow]... As a result, these captured cubs were instantly assimilated and joined the ranks of soldiers who protected resources and built underground homes.
Usually the social type has a survival advantage over the lone ranger, but if the epidemic in recent years has taught us anything, among the social animals living together, viruses and infectious diseases will be a serious problem.
So, in the dense naked mole rat society, how to deal with diseases and viruses?
Status is everything, everything
Naked mole rats live in tightly organized groups, each of which knows its own social hierarchy and the tasks that must be completed. People have been studying these naked mole rats for more than 30 years and are still pleasantly surprised.
The latest finding is that moles of higher social status have higher immunity than members of lower status in the face of viruses and diseases. This is manifested by the fact that naked mole rats with higher social status have a larger spleen. (The spleen plays a key role in the immune system and is involved in the formation, maturation, and retention of immune cells.)
The researchers studied these larger spleens at the molecular level, completely devoid of any lesions and inflammation, simply large. After using RNA sequencing and tissue sample analysis, it was found that the number of macrophages in the spleen was much higher. (In humans, macrophages are part of the immune system, which surrounds and devours invading pathogens.)
Naked mole rats of higher status, with larger spleens, mean better able to fight infections, deal with inflammation and damage more easily, and cope better with disease.
Animals of higher status have a stronger immune system, which is not unique to naked mole rats. Among macaques, members of the higher-status group were also better able to fight the disease. But the monkey's spleen did not grow larger, but had a different immune protection system.
The difference with the insect race is worth thinking about
Unlike the Zerg, naked mole rats do not determine social status from birth.
The higher status, or queen, is on her own, all the way up, and won. This can be a selection mechanism, with the most powerful individuals having the power to mate and reproduce, ensuring that the genes of individuals with the strongest immune systems are passed on to offspring.
While a strong immune system can stop disease and slow down the aging process, the naked mole queen will hardly die of old age. But the end of the wait for them is even more brutal: being killed in a "coup" — that is, when another woman gathers enough male followers to eventually overthrow the old queen.
Well? Heard about making a nude version of Tom and Jerry?
But in such a cruel empire, there is also a glimmer of hope! Even if the "slaves" who are captured, if their genes are strong, they can one day rely on their own strength and turn over and become queens.
Owls thank you for your attention (¬_¬)