Kin selection in disguise? (original) (raw)

Abstract.

In a recent article E.O. Wilson and B. Hölldobler (2005) describe an heuristic model for the evolution of eusociality. They present their model as an alternative to the standard model of kin selection, and describe the evolution of eusociality in terms of changes in frequency to an hypothetical eusocial allele. Here I build on sentiments of Foster et al. (2006) to suggest that the proposed model is not a clear alternative to the standard model, but appears to represent a special case of kin selection involving preferential interactions among individuals sharing the same altruistic gene. The model proposed by Wilson and Hölldobler is consistent with the ‘greenbeard’ model of kin selection, first proposed by W.D. Hamilton.

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  1. School of Biological Science, University of Sydney, Sydney A/2, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
    G. J. Thompson

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  1. G. J. Thompson
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Correspondence toG. J. Thompson.

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Received 23 May 2006; revised 27 June 2006; accepted 5 July 2006.

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Thompson, G.J. Kin selection in disguise?.Insect. Soc. 53, 496–497 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00040-005-0893-6

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