Figure 1. Network diagram of a potentially stochastic decision in social insects subsequently reinforced through inhibition and feedback mechanisms.

The underlying experiments have been described (Hölldobler and Wilson, 2009). Reproductively active queens and workers are green, while reproductively quiescent workers are red. (A) When a reproductively active queen is present in the colony, she inhibits the workers from reproducing. (B) When the queen is absent, new gamergates (reproductively dominant workers) emerge in what appears to be a stochastic process (i). Once gamergates are established, they are fixed by lateral inhibition through aggressive domination (ii), negative feedback through jump and hold policing behavior (iii), and positive feedback through antennal whipping and dueling (iv).