D3139: (1st Place) Investigating the effects of biogenic amines on the dominance hierarchy within the subsocial small carpenter bee, Ceratina calcarata

Biogenic amines are organic bases that aid in regulating the mechanisms which underlie most behavior, and are a contributor for aggression and dominance hierarchy within social and subsocial species. It has been previously observed that within small carpenter bee, Ceratina calcarata there is a unique dominant-submissive relationship between the mother and eldest daughter. When the mother bee first lays her eggs, she gives her first brood cell a pollen ball that contains significantly less nutrients than compared to her other offspring. This results in the daughter being significantly smaller and more submissive than the mother creating a ‘dwarf eldest daughter.’ We have found significant differences in levels of dopamine between mothers and daughters. It is hypothesized that the dominant-submissive relationship and differences in aggressive behaviors between the mother and dwarf eldest daughter is attributed in part to the different levels of biogenic amines within the organisms. The mother and dwarf eldest daughter will have their level of dopamine manipulated through topical application and circle tube assays will be used to observe and determine any significant change in aggression.