George Williams on Group Selection

Synonyms

G. C. Williams

Definition

In the study of adaptation, George Williams makes clear that group selection is not a valid explanation for traits developed by individual organisms. In his book Adaptation and Natural Selection (1966), he outlines some previous claims concerning the validity of group selection and discusses how they are frequently inadequate to explain the adaptation and evolution of species. There are several theories to which he gives some merit, but only in special cases that are not common in nature.

Introduction

Group selection, to George Williams, is frequently not a plausible explanation for the way that individual organisms develop adaptations that enable them to survive in their respective environments. While he concedes that there are a select few group selection theories that have merit, he largely considers the approach to be misguided. While it often might seem that a population has evolved, Williams (1966) argues that in actuality the survival of the...