If you don't think that evolution describes the changes in the population of mitochondria in a cell, then I think you're taking an overly narrow view of evolution!
That may well be so, but still in the context of this discussion I don't think that it's useful to describe the changes in the population of mitochondria in an evolutionary framework (your lower level, that is).
happen to be male; none of my mitochondria will make it to the next human generation anyway.
Unless you have a sister :-) Yes, I know that mDNA is special.
The answer is twofold:
There is also the third option: symbiosis. If you managed to get your hooks into a nice and juicy host, it might be wise to set up house instead of doing the slash-and-burn.
Since this started connected to economics, there are probably parallels with roving bandits and stationary bandits.
If it's worth saying, but not worth its own post (even in Discussion), then it goes here.
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