Kin selection is the key to altruism

Kin selection theory, also known as inclusive fitness theory, has been the subject of much debate and misunderstanding. Nevertheless, the idea that relatedness among individuals can drive the evolution of altruism has emerged as a central paradigm in evolutionary biology. Or has it? In two recent ar...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Trends in ecology & evolution (Amsterdam) 2006-02, Vol.21 (2), p.57-60
Main Authors: Foster, Kevin R., Wenseleers, Tom, Ratnieks, Francis L.W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Altruism
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Animals
Behavior, Animal
Biological and medical sciences
Biological Evolution
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
General aspects
Genetics of eukaryotes. Biological and molecular evolution
Hymenoptera - genetics
Hymenoptera - physiology
Models, Biological
Selection, Genetic
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Summary:Kin selection theory, also known as inclusive fitness theory, has been the subject of much debate and misunderstanding. Nevertheless, the idea that relatedness among individuals can drive the evolution of altruism has emerged as a central paradigm in evolutionary biology. Or has it? In two recent articles, E.O. Wilson argues that kin selection should no longer be considered the main explanation for the evolution of altruism in insect societies. Here, we discuss what these articles say about kin selection and how it relates to the theory. We conclude that kin selection remains the key explanation for the evolution of altruism in eusocial insects.
ISSN:0169-5347
1872-8383
DOI:10.1016/j.tree.2005.11.020