A theory of natural selection incorporating interaction among individuals. I. The modeling process

• Published in: Journal of theoretical biology Vol. 89; no. 4; pp. 635 - 658
• Main Author: Griffing, Bruce
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 21.04.1981
• Subjects: Gene Frequency; Genotype; Interpersonal Relations; Models, Genetic; Selection, Genetic; Social Behavior; Time Factors
• ISSN: 0022-5193; 1095-8541
• DOI: 10.1016/0022-5193(81)90033-3

Short- and long-term consequences of natural selection, operating in accordance with the classical (non-interaction) model, are reviewed. This review provides the basis for comparisons of the optimum results of the classical model with the results from interaction models. Then as a first step, the simplest interaction modeling system (Model I) is developed subject to the following conditions: (i) The natural selection model is constructed so that it is compatible with the one that already exists for artificial selection theory. This condition ensures that an overall theory is formulated which embraces both natural and artificial selection with a single modeling system and a common notation. (ii) The interaction theory is developed so that it is an extension of the classical theory. This condition ensures that the generalized theory includes the classical results as a special case when interaction is absent. The short- and long-term consequences of selection operating with Model I are determined to be less than optimal when compared with the classical results. Future papers in this series will consider how the interaction model can be modified in order to produce results which tend toward optimality.