The Coevolution of Cooperation and Dispersal in Social Groups
Author Information
Author(s): Michael E. Hochberg, Daniel J. Rankin, Michael Taborsky
Primary Institution: Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Montpellier II
Hypothesis
How do different autonomous units relinquish control over their functions to others in the group?
Conclusion
Cheater specialization as dispersers offers solutions to the evolution of cooperation in social groups and the origin of specialization of germ and soma in multicellular organisms.
Supporting Evidence
- Partial or complete dispersal specialization of cheaters is a general outcome.
- The propensity for cheaters to disperse is highest with intermediate benefit:cost ratios of cooperative acts.
- An examination of a range of real biological systems tends to support the theory.
Takeaway
This study looks at how groups of organisms can work together and share resources, while also figuring out how some members can leave the group to start new ones.
Methodology
An optimization model was developed to evaluate the conditions leading to associations between dispersal and social strategy.
Limitations
The model is a simplified representation and does not account for all dynamics of real systems.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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