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The genetical theory of kin selection
Author(s) -
GARDNER A.,
WEST S. A.,
WILD G.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of evolutionary biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.289
H-Index - 128
eISSN - 1420-9101
pISSN - 1010-061X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2011.02236.x
Subject(s) - generality , kin selection , inclusive fitness , biology , selection (genetic algorithm) , trait , natural selection , social evolution , confusion , quantitative genetics , kin recognition , evolutionary biology , genetic fitness , biological evolution , genetics , genetic variation , artificial intelligence , computer science , psychology , gene , psychoanalysis , psychotherapist , programming language
Natural selection operates both directly, via the impact of a trait upon the individual’s own fitness, and indirectly, via the impact of the trait upon the fitness of the individual’s genetically related social partners. These effects are often framed in terms of Hamilton’s rule, rb − c > 0, which provides the central result of social‐evolution theory. However, a number of studies have questioned the generality of Hamilton’s rule, suggesting that it requires restrictive assumptions. Here, we use Fisher’s genetical paradigm to demonstrate the generality of Hamilton’s rule and to clarify links between different studies. We show that confusion has arisen owing to researchers misidentifying model parameters with the b and c terms in Hamilton’s rule, and misidentifying measures of genotypic similarity or genealogical relationship with the coefficient of genetic relatedness, r . More generally, we emphasize the need to distinguish between general kin‐selection theory that forms the foundations of social evolution, and streamlined kin‐selection methodology that is used to solve specific problems.