Group selection

Group selection is a theoretical concept in evolutionary biology that proposes that natural selection operates not only at the level of individuals but also at the level of groups. This concept suggests that alleles can become fixed or spread within a population not only because of their beneficial effects on the fitness of individuals but also because of their beneficial effects on the group.

Overview

Group selection theory posits that organisms that cooperate with each other can have a survival advantage over groups that do not. The theory suggests that, in certain circumstances, natural selection can lead to the evolution of altruistic behavior among members of a group, because such behavior can increase the survival and reproductive success of the group as a whole, even if it is costly to the individual exhibiting the behavior.

History

The concept of group selection has a contentious history in evolutionary biology. In the mid-20th century, it was a widely accepted explanation for altruistic behavior. However, in the 1960s, it came under heavy criticism, particularly from Richard Dawkins in his book The Selfish Gene, where he argued that evolution operates only at the level of genes, a concept known as gene selection theory. Since then, the idea of group selection has been largely sidelined, although it has never been completely abandoned.

Controversy

The main controversy surrounding group selection lies in its comparison with kin selection, which is a form of natural selection that favors the reproductive success of an organism's relatives, even at a cost to the organism's own survival and reproduction. Critics of group selection argue that what appears to be group-level selection can often be explained more parsimoniously through kin selection or individual selection.

Modern Perspectives

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in group selection, particularly with the concept of multilevel selection theory. This theory suggests that selection operates at multiple levels of biological organization (genes, cells, individuals, groups, and species). Proponents of multilevel selection theory argue that it provides a more comprehensive understanding of evolutionary processes, including the evolution of complex social behaviors.

Examples

One often-cited example of group selection is the behavior of certain social insects, such as bees, ants, and termites. In these species, individuals often perform acts that benefit the colony at a cost to their own reproductive potential. Another example is the meerkat's sentinel behavior, where an individual takes on the dangerous role of lookout to warn others of predators, potentially sacrificing itself for the group's benefit.

Conclusion

While group selection remains a controversial and complex topic within evolutionary biology, it offers a potential explanation for the evolution of altruistic and cooperative behaviors that are observed in nature. The ongoing debate and research into group selection and multilevel selection theory highlight the dynamic and evolving nature of our understanding of evolutionary processes.

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  Blackcocks at the Lek by Archibald Thorburn, 1901
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  Queen and workers of Apis mellifera
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  Wilson's Matryoshka Doll Multilevel Selection Model
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  Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore