The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins A Conversation with Nick Gillespie in Milwaukee | Richard Dawkins' Final Tour
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Apr 30, 2025 AI Snips
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Genetic Palimpsest Explained
- Every animal’s genes and body carry a record of ancestral survival environments, like a manuscript reused over time.
- This 'genetic palimpsest' concept shows deep evolutionary influences layered within organisms, not just superficial traits.
Humans as Cooperating Viral Colonies
- Humans are essentially a massive cooperative colony of genes, akin to cooperating viruses within us.
- Parasites transmitted via gametes share interests with their hosts, illustrating gene cooperation within organisms.
Selfish Genes Cooperate
- Genes are selfish as replicators but cooperate to form altruistic individuals.
- Cooperation among genes builds bodies that collectively aid their transmission to future generations.