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A Quantitative Fitness Analysis Workflow
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Evaluating kin and group selection as tools for quantitative analysis of microbial data.

Jeff Smith1, R Fredrik Inglis1

  • 1Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St Louis, St Louis MO 63121, USA.

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|May 18, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Kin selection and multilevel selection theory offer valuable insights into the evolution of cooperation but often fail as quantitative tools. Improving analytical practices can unlock their potential for understanding social evolution.

Keywords:
group selectionkin selectionmicrobial cooperationmultilevel selectionopen dataopen science

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Theoretical Ecology
  • Microbial Ecology

Background:

  • Kin selection and multilevel selection theory are commonly used to interpret social behavior in microbes.
  • Currently, these theories are primarily employed as conceptual frameworks rather than quantitative analytical tools.
  • Microbial experiments yield rich fitness data, yet theoretical application remains limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantitatively evaluate the performance of kin selection and multilevel selection theory.
  • To identify limitations in current theoretical models when applied to microbial systems.
  • To propose improvements for using these theories as quantitative analysis tools.

Main Methods:

  • Reanalysis of published microbial datasets using established fitness models.
  • Statistical assessment of model fit, focusing on regression misspecification.
  • Identification of analytical practices in empirical research.
  • Analysis of both individual and group fitness outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Canonical fitness models of kin and multilevel selection are frequently poor fits for microbial data.
  • Misspecified statistical regressions are a key reason for poor model performance.
  • Strong selection and non-additive effects are widespread in microbial systems, complicating model application.
  • Analyzing individual and group fitness clarifies the biology of selection.

Conclusions:

  • Kin and multilevel selection theory have untapped potential as quantitative tools for social evolution research.
  • Improving analytical practices and data-driven theory development are crucial.
  • A refined approach can enhance our understanding of social evolution across all life.