1. Patterns of disruption and reconstitution of kin groups do seem very different now by comparison with the past.

2. The larvae live in kin groups and are aposematic, while the adults disperse to live a solitary existence and are cryptic.

3. In summary, the evidence shows that the shape of kin groups is subject to very significant variation over the course of time.

4. Man may well have spent large portions of the last several million years living in small kin groups.

5. Usually, however, the day-to-day care of the elderly in particular, was a matter for the kin group.