
doi: 10.7282/t3dn43nn
For nearly 50 years, Inclusive Fitness Theory has provided researchers an avenue to understand altruistic interactions among individuals in a colony. It has recently come under fire by prominent academics suggesting it is unsatisfactory in describing altruism. This thesis aims to provide a history of inclusive fitness theory and dissect the arguments against the theory and in favor of it. Using scientific research articles from such publications as Nature and Science, I have collected information on the history of Inclusive Fitness Theory and the development of the theory over time. Furthermore, this thesis will also delve into the methods of testing Inclusive Fitness Theory as well as fields that have arisen due to the theory. Ultimately, using arguments made by opponents and proponents to the theory, conclusions will be drawn about the validity of the theory. While the arguments against the theory seem sound, they ultimately fail to provide alternative insights into the development of altruism in colonies, and moreover these arguments are successfully refuted by leaders in the field.
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