Re: Group selected altruism - (was: Hamilton's rule)



Guy Hoelzer hoelzer@xxxxxxx wrote:-


> > I am skeptical about 'good of the species' as long as it is the species
> > that is evolving. But I am quite willing to consider traits that are
> > for 'the good of the group', even if it is difficult to identify a
> benefit
> > to any individual. I strongly suspect that such traits are traits that
> > are 'emergent' at the group level - that is, they can not be attributed
> > to individuals. As examples of such traits, we might have various kinds
> > of balanced polymorphisms or perhaps mating protocols (which involve at
> > least two individuals).

> I agree that it can help to keep the arguments more clear by focusing on
> traits that emerge at the group level (e.g., group size, social
> structure...). However, I wouldn't restrict the notion of selection to
> such
> traits. This way of thinking about selection would, for example, preclude
> the conclusion that individual selection influences the DNA sequences of
> genes.

JE:-
No empirical evidence exists that can allow anybody to EMPIRICALLY assume
that they can validly "preclude the conclusion that individual selection
influences the DNA sequences of genes".

Regards,

John Edser
Independent Researcher

edser@xxxxxxxxxx




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Relevant Pages

  • Re: any examples of self-limiting organisms?
    ... selection is, in principle, reducible to individual selection. ... How do you define 'the whole crowd'? ... Its boundaries are certainly ... specific genes (which includes benefiting others who possess those ...
    (talk.origins)
  • Re: any examples of self-limiting organisms?
    ... Perplexed in Peoria wrote: ... selection is, in principle, reducible to individual selection. ... more than those with different genes? ... crowd but not my offspring it isn't ...
    (talk.origins)
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