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Maladaptation and natural selection.

Randolph M Nesse¹

¹Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104, USA. NESSE@UMICH.EDU

The Quarterly Review of Biology

|May 12, 2005

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George Williams revolutionized evolutionary biology by focusing on traits that don't fit evolutionary theory. His "maladaptationist" approach reveals six explanations for suboptimal traits, advancing medicine and biology.

Area of Science:

Evolutionary Biology
Medicine

Background:

George Williams's work in evolutionary biology highlighted overlooked aspects of trait evolution.
Traditional approaches often focus on adaptation, neglecting apparent maladaptations.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore evolutionary explanations for traits that appear suboptimal.
To propose a framework for understanding apparent maladaptations beyond simple constraints.

Main Methods:

Analysis of evolutionary theory and biological traits.
Categorization of explanations for suboptimal traits into six types.

Main Results:

Identified six categories for suboptimal traits: mismatch, coevolution, tradeoffs, constraints, reproductive advantage over individual benefit, and aversive-but-useful defenses.

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Challenged the casual dismissal of suboptimal traits as mere byproducts of mutation and drift.

Conclusions:

Adopting a "maladaptationist" perspective, as championed by George Williams, is crucial for biological and medical progress.
Understanding the evolutionary basis of suboptimal traits, particularly in disease vulnerability, offers new avenues for research.