kin selection

Definition of kin selection

: a theory of natural selection which states that a usually altruistic behavior or attribute that lowers the fitness of a particular individual is selected for if it increases the probability of survival and reproduction of related kin who possess some or all of the same genes as the altruistic individual

Examples of kin selection in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web One is kin selection, which requires the collaborators to be related (as neighbouring trees of the same species are likely to be) and works if sacrifices by one bring disproportionate reproductive benefits to others. — The Economist, "Tree stumps can live on indefinitely...," 25 July 2019 The Hymenoptera stood for years as the textbook example of kin selection’s potency, and many biologists got on board with it. — Quanta Magazine, "The Elusive Calculus of Insects’ Altruism and Kin Selection," 10 Apr. 2018 For kin selection, that’s direct versus indirect benefits. — Jordana Cepelewicz, Scientific American, "The Elusive Calculus of Insect Altruism," 26 Apr. 2018 The framework of inclusive fitness theory provides a good way to envision the role played by kin selection and relatedness. — Jordana Cepelewicz, Scientific American, "The Elusive Calculus of Insect Altruism," 26 Apr. 2018 The new model could even be applied to research on kin selection in plants. — Jordana Cepelewicz, Scientific American, "The Elusive Calculus of Insect Altruism," 26 Apr. 2018 Others help genetic relatives in a motivation called kin selection. — Lynn Johnson, National Geographic, "How Fear Makes You Do Good Or Evil," 3 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'kin selection.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Kin selection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kin%20selection. Accessed 18 Feb. 2020.

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