• Research Paper on:
    Selfish Gene Theory v. Heterozygote Superiority Theory

    Number of Pages: 9

     

    Summary of the research paper:

    In nine pages evolutionary biologist E. Sober's heterozygote superiority theory is contrasted and compared with Richard Dawkins' selfish gene theory in this examination of evolutionary mechanisms. Ten sources are cited in the bibliography.

    Name of Research Paper File: AM2_PPgeneNo.rtf

    Buy This Research Paper »

     

    Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
    A number of theories have been proposed by evolutionary biologists to explain the manner in which species evolve. According to the now infamous theory of the "selfish  gene" by Richard Dawkins (1976) everything about our design is linked to our DNA and DNA makes up our genes. These genes are, for the most part, the same  as those found in our ancestors millions of years ago. The reason for their survival through the millennia, according to Dawkins, is their "ruthless selfishness". They always take  whatever steps are necessary in order to survive. This is done at whatever the cost and at whatever the sacrifice. To other biologists, however, Dawkins theory of the  selfish gene simply does not weigh out. They contend, in fact, that the selfish gene does not exist because evolutionary stable entities as proposed by Dawkins do not exist  (Pigliucci, 2002). One of the most articulate augments against the selfish gene theory is presented by Sober and Lewontin (1982). They use the argument of heterozygote superiority to  argue against genic selectionism (Sober and Lewontin, 1982). To understand Sober and Lewontins (1982) views on heterozygote superiority, we first must consider  the views of Richard Dawkins. Dawkins The Selfish Gene articulates his theories. According to him the selfish gene is adept at linking every behavior, no matter how simple  or complex, to a self-determined act of the replication not of us as individual human beings but as simple compilations of materials and deeds which are necessary for the replication  of our genes, our genes as independent self-determinate entities which control every aspect of our bodies, our actions and our lives. Our physiology, our mannerisms, even our belief systems 

    Back to Research Paper Results