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Comment
. 2014 Jun;37(3):269-70.
doi: 10.1017/S0140525X13002975.

Explaining group-level traits requires distinguishing process from product

Karthik Panchanathan  1 , Sarah Mathew  2 , Charles Perreault  2
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Comment

Explaining group-level traits requires distinguishing process from product

Karthik Panchanathan et al. Behav Brain Sci. 2014 Jun.

Abstract

Smaldino is right to argue that we need a richer theory of group-level traits. He is wrong, however, in limiting group-level traits to units of cultural selection, which require explanations based on group selection. Traits are best understood when explanations focus on both process (i.e., selection) and product (i.e., adaptation). This approach can distinguish group-level traits that arise through within-group processes from those that arise through between-group processes.

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  • Group-level traits emerge.
    Smaldino PE. Smaldino PE. Behav Brain Sci. 2014 Jun;37(3):281-95. doi: 10.1017/s0140525x13003531. Behav Brain Sci. 2014. PMID: 25101360

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