Indian sociobiologist Raghavendra Gadagkar was awarded Germany’s highest civilian honour – the Cross of Order of the Merit. He was bestowed with the honour for contribution in the field of behavioural ecology and sociobiology. And also for works in strengthening research corporation between India and Germany.

Prof Gadagkar, is one of the leading experts in the field of insect sociobiology. He is also the president of the Indian National Science Academy and has published more than 270 research papers and two books. His first book, Survival Strategies, has been translated into Chinese and Korean.

MUST KNOW

• Prof Gadagkar, is one of the leading experts in the field of insect sociobiology.
• He is also the president of the Indian National Science Academy and has published more than 270 research papers and two books.
• His first book, Survival Strategies, has been translated into Chinese and Korean.
• A resident of Bengaluru and professor at the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) was awarded at the German Consulate in Bengaluru

HIS CONTRIBUTION

• Why do these insects live collectively?
• What evolutionary benefits do they gain?
• Why does group living give an advantage over solitary life?
• Where some of the main topics of the studies. Much of the work focused on how a hierarchy is established in a nest and how a queen emerges from a population of wasps. According to Prof. Gadagkar the wasps hold a mirror to us and allow us to reflect on our own society.

EXPECTED QUESTION

1.Name the Indian Sociobiologist who was recently awarded Germany’s highest civilian honour – the Cross of Order of the Merit?

2.Indian sociobiologist Raghavendra Gadagkar was awarded Germany’s highest civilian honour for his contribution in which field?