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Difficulty: MediumFunction of Detail in Context

In evaluating the emergence of eusociality in Hymenoptera (ants, bees, and wasps), evolutionary theorists historically relied on W. D. Hamilton’s kin selection hypothesis, which posits that high genetic relatedness among haplodiploid sisters facilitates the evolution of altruistic worker castes. However, empirical complications have emerged: several primitively eusocial species exhibit low intracolony relatedness due to multiple mating by queens (polyandry) or multiple queens per nest (polygyny). To salvage the model, some researchers argue that high relatedness was necessary only at the evolutionary inception of eusociality, with polyandry evolving secondarily. To evaluate this claim, phylogenetic reconstructions of ancestral breeding systems were conducted across independent lineages of eusocial insects. Notably, ancestral states in all eight distinct origins of eusociality analyzed were inferred to be strictly monandrous (single-mating), whereas polyandry appeared exclusively in phylogenetically derived lineages that had already evolved irreversible worker sterility.

The reference to polyandry appearing "exclusively in phylogenetically derived lineages" serves primarily to do which of the following?

  1. A
    Report the observation that contemporary social insect colonies with sterile worker castes engage in multiple queen mating.
  2. Provide empirical evidence supporting the hypothesis that multiple mating evolved only after eusocial organization had already been established.Answer
  3. C
    Demonstrate that high genetic relatedness is the sole evolutionary mechanism responsible for preserving worker sterility across all insect orders.
  4. D
    Illustrate the primary empirical objection raised by critics seeking to dismantle the kin selection model entirely.
  5. E
    Reconcile the foundational tenets of Hamilton's kin selection hypothesis with alternative evolutionary models that reject relatedness.

Answer

Provide empirical evidence supporting the hypothesis that multiple mating evolved only after eusocial organization had already been established.
The passage outlines a theoretical challenge to Hamilton's kin selection hypothesis (low relatedness due to polyandry) and presents a proposed resolution: that polyandry evolved secondarily after eusociality was already established. The cited detail provides the empirical finding from phylogenetic reconstructions showing that polyandry arose only in derived lineages with established worker sterility, thereby directly corroborating that proposed resolution.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate the targeted detail and identify its immediate argumentative context.
The phrase appears at the end of the passage following the hypothesis that polyandry evolved secondarily rather than at the inception of eusociality.
Understanding the surrounding claim is necessary to evaluate what the evidence is intended to prove.
2
Analyze how the detail interacts with the preceding hypothesis.
The finding that polyandry occurs exclusively in derived lineages directly confirms that ancestral origins were monandrous (high relatedness) and that multiple mating arose later.
Determining the logical connection between the data and the hypothesis clarifies the author's purpose.
3
Match this rhetorical function with the corresponding answer choice while eliminating content-only descriptions and overstatements.
The choice stating that the detail provides empirical evidence that multiple mating evolved after eusociality was established correctly captures this role.
LSAT function questions test the structural intent of the author rather than simple factual recall.

Key Concept

Function of Detail in Context
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Function of Detail in Context

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