Social Adaptation Flashcards
whats the problem with sterile workers?
how can selection favour a trait in which the bearer cannot pass on the genes
what is kin selection?
one trait in one member can cause others with the same trait greater reproductive success
what is hamiltons rule?
-c + br > 0 where c = cost to actor b = benefit to recipient r = genetic relatedness them combined bit of them is the inclusive-fitness effect
what is inclusive fitness theory?
expect organisms to appear as though they are maximising they’re inclusive fitness - value of actions on reproductive success and the reproductive success of related others
what are the trends for Hamiltons rule?
if >0 then the behaviour is favoured by natural selection
if <0 the behaviour disfavored by natural selection
what does relatedness measure?
genetic similarity relative to population average for the trait in question
what is limited dispersal?
those they interact with are probs more related to them than average - helping beneficial
what is kin recognition?
recognise and behave differently towards kin to ensure helping benefits relatives - need special discrimination
what is the greenbeard effect?
a mechanism whereby if a single gene encodes a detectable trait and helpfulness towards that trait, then the gene ensures its helping copies of its self
clarifies the genetic relatedness of the trait in question
what are major transitions in individuality?
when previously independent replicating individuals cooperate to form a new, more complex life form
whats needed for major transitions in individuality?
entities that were capable of self replicating can now only replicate as a large group - mutual dependence
relative lack of within group conflict so larger unit can be thought of as a fitness maximising individual
when do major transitions occur?
when theres high relatedness so minimal conflict
- clonal bottleneck in multicellular
- monogamy in insects
