Capturing the superorganism: a formal theory of group adaptation
Open Access
- 13 March 2009
- journal article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Journal of Evolutionary Biology
- Vol. 22 (4), 659-671
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1420-9101.2008.01681.x
Abstract
Adaptation is conventionally regarded as occurring at the level of the individual organism. However, in recent years there has been a revival of interest in the possibility for group adaptations and superorganisms. Here, we provide the first formal theory of group adaptation. In particular: (1) we clarify the distinction between group selection and group adaptation, framing the former in terms of gene frequency change and the latter in terms of optimization; (2) we capture the superorganism in the form of a ‘group as maximizing agent’ analogy that links an optimization program to a model of a group-structured population; (3) we demonstrate that between-group selection can lead to group adaptation, but only in rather special circumstances; (4) we provide formal support for the view that between-group selection is the best definition for ‘group selection’; and (5) we reveal that mechanisms of conflict resolution such as policing cannot be regarded as group adaptations.Keywords
This publication has 62 references indexed in Scilit:
- ARE WE STALLED PART WAY THROUGH A MAJOR EVOLUTIONARY TRANSITION FROM INDIVIDUAL TO GROUP?Evolution, 2007
- The emergence of a superorganism through intergroup competitionProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2007
- Evolution of individuality during the transition from unicellular to multicellular lifeProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2007
- Optimization of inclusive fitnessJournal of Theoretical Biology, 2006
- THINKING ABOUT BACTERIAL POPULATIONS AS MULTICELLULAR ORGANISMSAnnual Review of Microbiology, 1998
- Multivariate Analysis of Correlated Selection and Kin Selection, with an ESS Maximization MethodJournal of Theoretical Biology, 1997
- How to Make a Kin Selection ModelJournal of Theoretical Biology, 1996
- A Rationale for Group SelectionJournal of Theoretical Biology, 1993
- Reviving the superorganismJournal of Theoretical Biology, 1989
- The genetical evolution of social behaviour. IJournal of Theoretical Biology, 1964