Survival of the fittest applies to genes, not individuals from "summary" of The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins,Charles Simonyi Professor of the Public Understanding of Science Richard Dawkins,David Dawkins,RICHARD AUTOR DAWKINS
The idea that survival of the fittest applies to genes, not individuals, is a fundamental concept in understanding the process of evolution. When we talk about survival of the fittest, we are not referring to individual organisms competing against each other in a struggle for existence. Instead, we are talking about the competition between genes to be passed on to future generations. Genes are the units of information that are passed down from one generation to the next. They are the building blocks of life, containing the instructions for the development and functioning of an organism. Genes can be thought of as selfish entities, driven by the desire to replicate themselves and ensure their own survival. In the grand scheme of evolution, it is the genes that are competing with each other for survival. Genes that are successful in replicating themselves are the ones that will be passed on to future generations, while those that are less successful will be lost over time. This process of natural selection acts on the level of genes, not individuals. Individual organisms are simply vehicles for genes to be passed on. They are disposable entities that come and go, while genes continue to persist through generations. The traits and behaviors of individuals are shaped by the genes they carry, as genes that promote survival and reproduction are favored by natural selection. Understanding that survival of the fittest applies to genes, not individuals, allows us to see evolution in a new light. It helps us to appreciate the complexity and interconnectedness of life, as well as the driving force behind the diversity of species on Earth. By focusing on genes as the units of selection, we gain a deeper insight into the mechanisms that govern the evolution of life on our planet.
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