Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

185 | Arvid Ågren on the Gene’s-Eye View of Evolution

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Feb 21, 2022

Arvid Ågren, a Wenner-Gren Fellow specializing in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, delves into the captivating world of evolution from a gene's-eye perspective. He tackles Darwin's natural selection versus the 'selfish gene' theory, shedding light on the debate of what should be the focal point: the organism or its genetic code. Ågren also explores the complexities of gene functionality, the implications of natural selection, and the significance of understanding evolutionary dynamics in shaping biological narratives. Get ready for an enlightening discussion that blends science with philosophical insights!

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INSIGHT

Selfish Gene View

The "selfish gene" view suggests genes, not organisms, drive evolution.
Organisms are merely vehicles for genes to propagate across generations.

INSIGHT

Modern Synthesis of Biology

Darwin's theory of evolution lacked a functioning theory of inheritance.
The modern synthesis combined Darwin's theory with Mendelian genetics, which introduced the concept of genes as discrete units of inheritance.

INSIGHT

Kin Selection and Inclusive Fitness

Kin selection explains behaviors that don't maximize individual offspring.
Inclusive fitness considers an individual's genetic contribution through relatives, weighted by relatedness.

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The selfish gene

Lalla Ward Richard Dawkins

Richard Dawkins

In 'The Selfish Gene', Richard Dawkins presents a gene-centred view of evolution, arguing that genes are the primary units of selection and that they behave selfishly to ensure their own replication. The book explains concepts such as kin selection, inclusive fitness, and the evolutionarily stable strategy, highlighting how these mechanisms can lead to altruistic behaviors in organisms. Dawkins emphasizes that the 'selfishness' of genes is a metaphorical concept, describing their evolutionary consequences rather than any intentional behavior. The book has been influential in shaping modern evolutionary thought and remains relevant today[1][3][5].

Adaptation and Natural Selection

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George C. Williams

George C. Williams' "Adaptation and Natural Selection" is a seminal work in evolutionary biology. It rigorously challenges the prevailing view of group selection, arguing that natural selection primarily operates at the level of the gene. Williams emphasizes the importance of individual selection and the role of genes in shaping organismal traits. The book's detailed analysis of adaptation and its mechanisms significantly influenced the field, shifting the focus towards gene-centric perspectives. It remains a cornerstone of modern evolutionary theory, inspiring further research and debate on the levels of selection.

The Gene's-Eye View of Evolution

The first book to review the history of the gene's-eye view of evolution, providing a succinct primer

Arvid Ågren

Arvid Ågren's "The Gene's-Eye View of Evolution" delves into the gene-centric perspective on evolutionary biology. The book explores the concept of the 'selfish gene' and its implications for understanding adaptation and natural selection. Ågren examines the historical context of the gene-centric view, addressing criticisms and debates surrounding it. He analyzes the strengths and limitations of this perspective, offering a nuanced understanding of its role in evolutionary biology. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the gene-centric view, its applications, and its ongoing relevance in the field.