Dissertation Research: Evolution of Cooperation

到目前为止，对合作演变的研究主要集中在两个人之间的互动上。这项拟议的工作将合作演变的研究扩展到任何规模的群体，而不仅仅是规模为2的群体。使用了两种方法。1.数学模型将能够预测以不同大小分组显示的合作量。2.将使用包含反捕食者行为群的生物系统来检验数学模型。在一些鱼种中，一小群个体离开它们所属的鱼群，合作调查潜在的危险捕食者。这一系统将允许操控与合作相关的成本和收益。随后的测试将显示数学模型预测的合作程度是否真的显示在自然界中。

To date, studies on the evolution of cooperation have centered on interactions between two individuals. The proposed work expands the study of the evolution of cooperation to groups of any size, not just groups of size two. Two approaches are used. 1. Mathematical models will allow predictions of the amount of cooperation displayed in groups of various sizes. 2. A biological system which involves anti-predator behavior groups will be used to test the mathematical models. In some species of fish, a small group of individuals move away from the school they belong to and cooperatively investigate potentially dangerous predators. This system will allow manipulation of the costs and benefits associated with being cooperative. Subsequent testing will show whether the degree of cooperation predicted by mathematical models is, in fact, displayed in nature.