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William Hamilton

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description William Hamilton Overview

William Hamilton was a prominent 20th-century British scientist whose work fundamentally advanced our understanding of evolutionary biology. He is best known for formulating the theory of kin selection, offering a mathematical framework to explain altruistic behavior within species. This influential perspective significantly impacted the study of social evolution and remains central to research concerning relatedness, cooperation, and the genetic basis of social interactions. His theories are particularly relevant to biologists, ecologists, and researchers investigating animal behavior and population dynamics.

help William Hamilton FAQ

What is Hamilton's rule in William Hamilton's theory of kin selection?

Hamilton's rule is commonly written as rB > C, meaning an altruistic behavior can spread when genetic relatedness multiplied by the recipient's benefit exceeds the actor's cost. Here, r is relatedness, B is benefit, and C is cost, as explained by [Oxford Academic](https://academic.oup.com/reference/62344/reference-article-abstract/554373939?login=false).

How does inclusive fitness differ from direct fitness?

Direct fitness counts an individual's own reproductive success, while inclusive fitness also counts effects on relatives weighted by genetic relatedness. Hamilton used this framework to explain why helping relatives can sometimes increase the spread of shared genes.

Why did William Hamilton use sterile worker ants and bees as examples?

Sterile workers do not reproduce themselves, but they help raise the offspring of a related queen. Hamilton's kin-selection theory explains how that behavior can evolve when the reproductive benefit to relatives outweighs the worker's cost.

When did William Hamilton develop kin-selection theory?

Hamilton developed the theory in the early 1960s and gave it a mathematical form through his work on inclusive fitness. The term kin selection was later associated with John Maynard Smith's 1964 discussion of the idea.