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The Units of Selection Revisited: The Modules of Selection

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Abstract

Richard Lewontin's (1970) early work on the “units” of selection initiated the conceptual and theoretical investigations that have led to the hierarchical perspective on selection that has reached near consensus status today. This paper explores other aspects of his work, work on what he termed “continuity” and “quasi-independence”, that connect to contemporary explorations of modularity in development and evolution. I characterize such modules and argue that they are the true units of selection in that they are what evolution by natural selection individuates, selects among, and transforms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Philosophy and Zoology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, U.S.A. E-mail

    Robert N. Brandon

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  1. Robert N. Brandon
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Brandon, R.N. The Units of Selection Revisited: The Modules of Selection. Biology & Philosophy 14, 167–180 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006682200831

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