The genetical theory of kin selection

A. Gardner*, S. A. West, G. Wild

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1020-1043
Number of pages24
JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology
Volume24
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2011

Keywords

  • adaptation
  • genetic value
  • Hamilton's rule
  • inclusive fitness
  • least-squares regression
  • natural selection
  • Price equation
  • relatedness
  • reproductive value
  • social evolution
  • FISHERS FUNDAMENTAL THEOREM
  • INCLUSIVE FITNESS THEORY
  • SOCIAL EVOLUTION THEORY
  • PRICE EQUATION
  • FREQUENCY-DEPENDENCE
  • SUBDIVIDED POPULATIONS
  • STRUCTURED POPULATIONS
  • INTERACTING PHENOTYPES
  • MULTILEVEL SELECTION
  • ALTRUISTIC BEHAVIOR

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