Kin and multilevel selection in social evolution: a never-ending controversy?

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Behavioral Ecology
• Population Genetics

Background:

• Kin selection and multilevel selection are major theoretical frameworks explaining the evolution of social behaviors.
• The relationship between these theories has been controversial for decades, with recurring debates on their utility.
• Understanding social evolution in group-structured populations requires addressing these theoretical frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a concise introduction to kin selection and multilevel selection theories.
• To illuminate the historical roots of the controversy surrounding these two frameworks.
• To review key aspects of the ongoing debate, including formal equivalency and group adaptation.

Main Methods:

• Review of foundational concepts in kin selection theory.
• Analysis of multilevel selection theory and its application to social evolution.
• Examination of the literature concerning the formal relationship and comparative strengths of both theories.

Main Results:

• The study clarifies the fundamental principles of both kin selection and multilevel selection.
• It addresses the debate on whether the two theories are formally equivalent.
• It explores the capacity of group selection to drive group adaptation.

Conclusions:

• Kin selection and multilevel selection offer complementary perspectives on social evolution.
• Kin selection often focuses on the outcome (optimal phenotypes), while multilevel selection examines the process.
• Combining these approaches can enhance understanding of evolution in group-structured populations.