Evolution of cooperation
The evolution of cooperation is the study of the mechanisms by which natural selection favors behaviors that benefit others at a cost to the actor. Martin Nowak organized the known mechanisms into five rules in a 2006 Nature review.
The five mechanisms
- Kin selection. Cooperation spreads among relatives when the benefit, weighted by relatedness, exceeds the cost — Hamilton’s rule.
- Direct reciprocity. Repeated encounters between the same two individuals allow “I help you, you help me” strategies such as tit-for-tat.
- Indirect reciprocity. Helping builds a reputation, and others help individuals with good reputations.
- Network reciprocity. In spatially structured populations, cooperators cluster and protect each other from defectors.
- Group selection. Groups with more cooperators outcompeteLog in with DiscordSupport BrinedewContinue to read the draft.
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