Researchers found that tropical paper wasp colonies survive queen loss by splitting social responsibilities carefully.

Scientists say the loss of a queen wasp triggers a power struggle and social turmoil that can often be violent and chaotic.

The leader is dead, triggering a bitter power struggle between rival factions bent on seizing control. Meanwhile, the ordinary subjects carry on with their everyday tasks and keep society functioning.

In politics, business and other human organisations, leadership transitions can trigger intense power struggles. Rivals ...

Tropical paper wasp colonies survive chaotic queen loss through "compensator" wasps that step up essential labor.