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Problems with Group Selection

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Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science

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Synonyms

Multilevel selection theory

Definition

Arguments, examples, and alternative explanations that refute group selection theory.

Introduction

Group selectionists argue that it is possible for certain adaptations to evolve because they benefit the group as opposed to benefiting the individual or gene. This has led to arguments in favor of the notion that some cooperative behaviors may have evolved because they have led to the survival of the group. However, critics of this theory have provided many refuting arguments and examples against group selection, as well as alternative explanations for the evolution of cooperative behaviors. This entry discusses these arguments, examples, and alternative explanations.

Alternative Explanations for Group Selection

George Williams (1966) noted that although group selection is theoretically possible, it is unlikely to be a strong evolutionary influence in the natural world. This is because natural selection in favor of the individual will...

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References

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of South Carolina Beaufort, Bluffton, SC, USA

    Carey Fitzgerald

Authors
  1. Carey Fitzgerald
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Correspondence to Carey Fitzgerald .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA

    Todd K. Shackelford

  2. Rochester, Michigan, USA

    Viviana A. Weekes-Shackelford

Section Editor information

  1. Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA

    Karin Machluf

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Fitzgerald, C. (2018). Problems with Group Selection. In: Shackelford, T., Weekes-Shackelford, V. (eds) Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_2127-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_2127-1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-16999-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-16999-6

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