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© 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Kin selection describes a process by which a gene can spread through a population through social effects on reproductive success. Kin selection provides an explanation for how a gene for altruism can spread even if it lowers the fitness of the carrier. The process depends on the fact that beneficiaries of an altruistic act have a higher probability of sharing a gene relative to the population as a whole. The basic theory of kin selection is outlined, examples of evidence supporting the theory given, and general applications of the theory are described.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/B978-008045405-4.00019-7

Type

Chapter

Book title

Encyclopedia of Ecology, Five-Volume Set

Publication Date

01/01/2008

Pages

2057 - 2060