timtyler comments on What is the group selection debate? - Less Wrong

28 Post author: Academian 02 November 2010 02:02AM

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Comment author: timtyler 02 November 2010 09:52:11PM 0 points [-]

Where group selection works, it is mathematically indistinguishable from kin selection, so you might as well use kin selection as your conceptual model.

Er, that isn't right. See Wade's flower beetles.

Comment author: araneae 02 November 2010 11:01:50PM 1 point [-]

I suppose I should have said, "where group selection works in nature."

From the paper you cited: "Unlike these closed laboratory populations, populations in nature would often be open to emigration." Evidence of group selection occurring or having occurred in real populations has never been observed.