Adaptation and Natural Selection

Selection between Groups vs. Selection between Genes

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William's discussion of group selection begins in chapter 4.

The present chapter examines the logical structure of the theory of selection between groups, but first I wish to consider an apparent exception to the rule that the natural selection of individuals cannot produce group-related adaptations. (p. 93)

This exception is the evolution of "altruistic behavior", later so-called, such as mutual help, friendship, etc. The issue is taken up by Robert Trivers later, but the basic idea is already contained in Williams' discussion:

Simply stated, an individual who maximizes his friendships and minimizes his antagonisms will have an evolutionary advantage, and selection should favor those characters that promote the optimization of personal relationships. ... Ultimately, however, this would not be an adaptation for group benefit. It would be developed by the differential survival of individuals of the genes of the individual providing the benefit to another. (p. 94, Uchii's italics)

Thus, you should carefully distinguish this exception from the so-called "group selection".

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