Principles of Social Evolution

Living things are organized in a hierarchy of levels. Genes group together in cells, cells group together in organisms, and organisms group together in societies. Even different species form mutualistic partnerships. Throughout the history of life, previously independent units have formed groups that, in time, have come to resemble individuals in their own right. Evolutionary biologists term such events "the major transitions". The process common to them all is social evolution. Each transition occurs only if natural selection favours one unit joining with another in a new kind of group. This book presents a fresh synthesis of the principles of social evolution that underlie the major transitions, explaining how the basic theory underpinning social evolution - inclusive fitness theory - is central to understanding each event. The book defines the key stages in a major transition, then highlights the shared principles operating at each stage across the transitions as a whole. It addresses in new ways the question of how, once they have arisen, organisms and societies become more individualistic. ... sets the standard for the future of research in social evolution ... It will be indispensable for scholars in the field of social evolution in its broadest sense. Ulrich R. Ernst, TREE a superb book, one that should change how we teach and think about life on our planet. ... an accessible, comprehensive, and highly readable overview, which will be invaluable in undergraduate teaching ... equally suitable for frontline researchers from postgraduate to professorial levels. Stuart West, Science Principles of Social Evolution is a remarkable book, written in an engaging yet unassuming style and filled with fascinating examples and case studies. Its brevity (267 pages including references) testifies to the authors ability to synthesize complex arguments while retaining clarity and breadth of scope. Human Ethology BulletinPreface and Acknowledgements ; 1. An Expanded View of Social Evolution ; 2. A Primer in Inclusive Fitness Theory ; 3. The Major Transitions in Light of Inclusive Fitness Theory ; 4. Social Group Formation ; 5. Social Group Maintenance ; 6. Social Group Transformation ; 7. Synthesis and Conclusions ; References ; Index