2010/06/12 by Warren J. Ewens · 2 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Social Sciences · #Evolution and Genetic Dynamics #Gene Regulatory Network Analysis #Evolutionary Game Theory and Cooperation
paper · doi:10.1093/bjps/axq005
The aim of this paper is to offer a new biological interpretation of Fisher’s ‘Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection’ and from this to consider optimality properties of gene frequency changes. These matters are of continuing interest to biologists and philosophers alike. In particular, the extent to which biological evolution can be calculated from the ‘gene’s-eye’ point of view is also discussed. In this sense, the paper bears indirectly on the concepts of the unit of selection and of the ‘selfish gene’. A new biological significance for the Fundamental Theorem, not previously found in the literature, is offered, together with an optimality principle connected with this theorem. 1. Introduction 2. Preliminary Calculations and Average Effects 3. The Modern Interpretation of the One-Locus Fundamental Theorem 4. The Whole-Genome Interpretation of the Fundamental Theorem 5. A New Biological Meaning for the Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection 6. A Numerical Example 7. The Malthusian Parameter 8. Decreases in Mean Fitness 9. Optimality Considerations 10. Conclusions