|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries: |
Research categories | Follow us on Twitter |
Research categories
View all topics in the newsView all reference sources at Encyclopedia.com |
|||
kin selection
kin selection Natural selection of genes that tend to cause the individuals bearing them to be altruistic to close relatives. These relatives therefore have a higher probability of bearing identical copies of those same genes than do other members of the population. Thus kin selection for a gene that tends to cause an animal to share food with a close relative will result in the gene being spread through the population because it (unconsciously) benefits itself. The more closely two animals are related, the higher the probability that they share some identical genes and therefore the more closely their interests coincide. Parental care is a special case of kin selection. See inclusive fitness.
|
|
|
Cite this article
"kin selection." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "kin selection." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-kinselection.html "kin selection." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-kinselection.html |
|
kin selection
kin selection A form of natural selection in which the altruism of an individual benefits its close relatives, and thereby helps to ensure the survival of at least some of its own genes. See also inclusive fitness.
|
|
|
Cite this article
MICHAEL ALLABY. "kin selection." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "kin selection." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-kinselection.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "kin selection." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-kinselection.html |
|
kin selection
kin selection A form of natural selection in which the altruism of an individual benefits its close relatives, and thereby helps to ensure the survival of at least some of its own genes. See also INCLUSIVE FITNESS.
|
|
|
Cite this article
MICHAEL ALLABY. "kin selection." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "kin selection." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-kinselection.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "kin selection." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-kinselection.html |
|