Word info

group selection

Noun

Meaning

group selection (uncountable)

(biology, evolution) A form of natural selection whereby traits that may be disadvantageous to the individual can be propagated when they are advantageous to the survival of a group as a whole. [from 19th c.]

Source: en.wiktionary.org

Examples

Group selection theory would therefore predict a tendency to evolve towards an all-dove conspiracy ... But the trouble with conspiracies, even those that are to everybody's advantage in the long run, is that they are open to abuse. Richard Dawkins

Individual versus group selection results in a mix of altruism and selfishness, of virtue and sin, among the members of a society. E. O. Wilson

Group selection acts at the level of groups of organisms. Source: Internet

Group selection theory has been criticized by many other evolutionary scientists. Source: Internet

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