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Resisting Biology: The Unpopularity of a Gene's‐Eye View
Author(s) -
TERLEPH THOMAS A.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2000.tb06627.x
Subject(s) - natural selection , selection (genetic algorithm) , natural (archaeology) , evolutionary biology , biology , epistemology , gene selection , gene , cognitive science , genetics , psychology , philosophy , computer science , artificial intelligence , paleontology , microarray analysis techniques , gene expression
A bstract : David Haig's intragenomic conflict theory concerning the possible evolutionary origins of genomic imprinting is discussed. It is suggested that a useful way in which one might represent Haig's theory to a popular audience would be by emphasizing a gene's eye viewpoint. In doing so, an author may help to dispel common misconceptions about evolution and natural selection, misconceptions which arise in part from an overemphasis on the individual, rather than the gene, when discussing natural selection. Although it is possible to view either the gene or the individual as a unit of natural selection, our own proclivity towards overemphasizing the role of individuals in evolution is seen as a common impediment to a more complete understanding of both natural selection, as well as the philosophical implications arising from a gene's eye view of evolutionary theory.