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Genes underlying altruism.

Graham J Thompson1, Peter L Hurd, Bernard J Crespi

  • 1Department of Biology, Western University, , 1151 Richmond St. North, London, Ontario, Canada , N6A 5B7.

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|October 18, 2013
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Scientists are identifying genes linked to altruism, building on inclusive fitness theory. Genetic variations in humans show trade-offs between altruistic and non-social cognitive behaviors, impacting social animal evolution.

Keywords:
altruisminclusive fitnesssociality

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Behavioral genetics
  • Social neuroscience

Background:

  • William D. Hamilton's inclusive fitness theory proposed 'genes for altruism' 50 years ago.
  • The discovery of genes underlying altruistic behavior is now imminent.
  • Understanding the genetic basis of altruism is crucial for social behavior evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish criteria for identifying and analyzing genes related to altruism.
  • To present the first candidate genes influencing altruism in social insects and humans.
  • To investigate genetic trade-offs between altruism and non-social cognition in humans.

Main Methods:

  • Development of intuitive criteria for gene recognition and analysis.
  • Identification of candidate genes for altruism in social insects and humans.
  • Analysis of oxytocin-system polymorphisms and their association with behavioral trade-offs in a human population.

Main Results:

  • Candidate genes for altruism have been identified in social insects and humans.
  • Evidence for genetically based trade-offs between altruistic and non-social cognitive alleles was found in humans.
  • Oxytocin-system polymorphisms underlie these observed behavioral trade-offs.

Conclusions:

  • Genes for altruism are nearing discovery, validating inclusive fitness theory.
  • Genetically influenced trade-offs between altruism and self-oriented cognition exist in humans.
  • These trade-offs may drive phenotypic diversity across social animals.