Coefficients of relationship and coefficients of relatedness in kin selection: A covariance form for the RHO formula
Abstract
Hamilton used the coefficient of relationship to predict the direction of selection acting on "genes for altruism" in a theoretical model. The sense (direction) of the inequality determined the direction of selection. But, paradoxically, Hamilton pointed out that traditional formulae for the coefficient of relationship cannot be evaluated during directional selection. Hamilton escaped the paradox by assuming very weak selection.
Later papers, including three by Hamilton, used other coefficients in place of the coefficient of relationship in the inequality. Thus inbreeding and directional selection could be handled in exact models. This paper tries to clarify the differences between the various coefficients and to point out an error in one of the author's previous works: Namely to state that there is analytical proof that the regression coefficient is a special case of a coefficient called ϱ whereas the earlier paper claimed only numerical verification was possible. Since the symbol "ϱ" is also used to denote the correlation coefficient, it is suggested here that the p of kin selection be given a new name.- Publication:
-
Journal of Theoretical Biology
- Pub Date:
- 1978
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0022-5193(78)90129-7
- Bibcode:
- 1978JThBi..73..679O