Does Any Vertebrate Species Other Than Humans Exhibit Division of Labor?

Yes, the concept of division of labor is not limited to human societies alone. Many vertebrate species, including fish, frogs, and birds, exhibit various forms of division of labor. This article explores examples of division of labor in different species outside of human beings.

Sexual Division of Labor: A Common Occurrence

The most apparent form of division of labor in vertebrates is the sexual division of labor, where males and females play distinct roles in survival and reproduction. For example, in some species of fish, males take care of the eggs by carrying them in their mouths until they hatch. This behavior is seen in species such as Tilapia, some catfish, and male Sea Horses.

Similar behaviors are observed in amphibians. In certain toads and frogs, males carry the eggs on their backs or in their mouths. Additionally, in birds, both the male and female parents take turns incubating the eggs, feeding the chicks, and protecting them until they can fend for themselves. Examples include pigeons, sparrows, and kites.

Division of Labor Beyond Sexual Roles

Division of labor is not limited to sexual roles. In mammals, it is common to see different feeding behaviors and protection roles based on size and strength. For instance, in polygynous species, males often act as guardians of the females.

Temporary Division of Labor

Some vertebrates also exhibit temporary division of labor, where individuals assume different roles for specific purposes. One notable example is the meerkat colony. While the majority of the colony is out foraging, one or a few meerkats stand watch, alerting the group to the presence of predators. They use different signals to indicate the type of predator and the appropriate escape strategy.

Cooperative Roles in Packs and Herds

Many predator species engage in cooperative hunting, often involving separate roles for different members of the group. For instance, in painted dogs, some members may lie in ambush while others drive the prey, a behavior that is highly coordinated and sophisticated. Similarly, in orcas, different members of the pod may specialize in driving the prey towards certain targets and others in making the kill.

It is plausible that these roles are not assigned randomly but rather individuals specialize based on their speed, agility, or strength. Larger orcas might consistently take the role of keeping away the mother whale, while smaller ones might take the task of capturing the calf. These specialized roles enhance the hunting efficiency of the group.

Non-Human Mammals and Division of Labor in Hunting

Cooperative hunting involving division of labor is not exclusive to large orcas and painted dogs. American badgers and coyotes are another example of a mutually beneficial partnership where both species benefit from the shared effort. Badgers typically dig out prey from burrows, while coyotes scare the prey out or chase it there. Although they do not share their kills, both members of the hunt enjoy greater hunting success than they would alone.

While this cooperative hunting strategy is a positive example of division of labor, it is important to note that it involves two different species, rather than a single species exhibiting such behavior.