Poziomy doboru, adaptacje

• Authors: Adam Łomnicki

Title variants

EN

Levels of selection, adaptations

• Languages of publication: PL EN

Abstracts

EN

This article shortly discusses why natural selection should be considered at the level of genes, instead of individuals. This standpoint is justified with kin selection theory, the concept of selfish gene and the conflicts within genomes. The reasons for the introduction of group selection are explained and the idea of the adaptation for the good of species is critically discussed. Two theoretical models of group selection are introduced, and their links with kin selection, disease virulence and human social behaviour are explained. The definition of adaptation according to Williams is given and the distinction between proximate and ultimate factors introduced.

• Journal: Kosmos
• Year: 2009
• Volume: 58
• Issue: 3-4
• Pages: 335-340

Dates

published

2009

Contributors

author

Adam Łomnicki

• Zakład Badania Ssaków PAN, 17-230 Białowieża, Polska

References

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• Łomnicki A., 2003. Teoria metapopulacji i jej różnorodne konsekwencje dla biologii ewolucyjnej, ekologii i ochrony przyrody. Wiadomości Ekologiczne 49, 3-26.
• Wild G., Gardner A.,west S. A., 2009. Adaptation and the evolution of parasite virulence in a connected world. Nature 459, 983-986.
• Williams G. C., 1966. Adaptation and Natural Selection Princeton University Press, Princeton, N.J.
• Wilson D. S., 1975. A theory of group selection. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 72, 143-146.
• Wynne-Edwards V. C., 1962. Animal Dispersion in Relation to Social Behaviour. Oliver & Boyd, London.