Naked mole-rat queens use a chemical signal to suppress fertility in rivals
Summary
Scientists discovered that naked mole-rat queens produce a special chemical scent to stop other females in their colony from having babies. This chemical, found only in queens, spreads through their tunnels and signals their breeding status, helping to keep order without violent fights.Key Facts
- Naked mole-rats live mostly underground and have unique traits like pain insensitivity, long life, and cancer resistance.
- They live in colonies where only one female, the queen, breeds, similar to ants or bees.
- Scientists studied the mole-rats’ sense of smell, which is very important since they are blind.
- Mole-rats use complex chemical signals to recognize colony members and strangers, leading to aggression towards outsiders.
- Researchers identified a specific chemical called isopropyl myristate that only queen mole-rats produce.
- This chemical is spread through tunnels and changes with the queen’s fertility cycle.
- The queen’s scent stays on surfaces for about 24 hours, helping her control the colony without fighting.
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