Simulation upholds a theory of natural selection
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 - 19:00
in Psychology & Sociology
Swiss researchers build an artificial population of virtual robots to test a biological idea about altruism. If natural selection means that only the fittest individuals survive to pass their genes on to the next generation, then selfless behavior should not exist. Yet dolphins are known to support their injured brethren, and some species of monkeys will scream to warn others of danger, even though doing so makes them an easier target.