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Extensive fitness and human cooperation
1Johann Bernouilli Institute for Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 407, 9700 AK, Groningen, The Netherlands. j.h.van.hateren@rug.nl.
Theory in Biosciences = Theorie in Den Biowissenschaften
|September 17, 2015
Summary
Extensive fitness, a new evolutionary concept, incorporates producing similar phenotypes and outcompetes inclusive fitness. This mechanism drives evolution by internal fitness estimates, especially in humans.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Behavioral genetics
Background:
- Organism fitness, the rate of reproduction, is key to evolution.
- Inclusive fitness enhances reproduction indirectly through kin selection.
- Existing models focus on genetic relatedness for indirect fitness benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and define extensive fitness as an evolved mechanism.
- To explore how extensive fitness incorporates phenotypic similarity.
- To model and compare the evolvability of extensive versus inclusive fitness.
Main Methods:
- Developed a computational model integrating heredity and behavior.
- Implemented inclusive fitness via similar heredity subpopulations.
- Implemented extensive fitness via similar phenotype subpopulations, with nonlinear fitness increases.
Main Results:
- Extensive fitness populations consistently outcompeted inclusive fitness populations.
- Phenotypic similarity drives larger group sizes, leading to greater fitness gains.
- Extensive fitness has direct (inducing similarity) and indirect (cooperating with similar others) components.
Conclusions:
- Extensive fitness represents a significant elaboration on inclusive fitness, particularly in humans.
- Phenotypic similarity can be a powerful driver of evolutionary success.
- Internal fitness estimation mechanisms may underlie agency and goal-directed behavior.
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