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The units of selection

J Maynard Smith¹

¹School of Biological Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, UK.

Novartis Foundation Symposium

|July 8, 1998

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Evolutionary biologists debate the units of selection, from groups to genes. Current research examines simultaneous selection at multiple levels, including intragenomic conflict and major evolutionary transitions.

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Area of Science:

Evolutionary Biology
Genetics

Background:

Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection is widely accepted.
Debate persists regarding the primary units upon which natural selection acts.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the historical debate on units of selection.
To discuss current research on multi-level selection, including intragenomic conflict and major evolutionary transitions.

Main Methods:

Historical analysis of key theories (group selection, inclusive fitness, gene-centered view).
Discussion of conceptual and mathematical approaches to selection.
Examination of contemporary research on multi-level selection.

Main Results:

The debate on units of selection has evolved from group selection to inclusive fitness and gene-centered views.

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Selection can act simultaneously at multiple levels, such as within genomes.

Major evolutionary transitions involve entities replicating as part of a larger whole.

Conclusions:

Understanding the units of selection requires considering different conceptual frameworks and mathematical models.
Contemporary research highlights the complexity of selection acting at various biological levels.
The study of multi-level selection is crucial for understanding evolutionary innovation and major transitions.