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Optimality theory in evolutionary biology

Nature volume 348, pages 27–33 (1990)Cite this article

Abstract

Optimization models help us to test our insight into the biological constraints that influence the outcome of evolution. They serve to improve our understanding about adaptations, rather than to demonstrate that natural selection produces optimal solutions.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, University of Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK

    G. A. Parker

  2. School of Biological Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex, BN1 9QG, UK

    J. Maynard Smith

Authors
  1. G. A. Parker
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  2. J. Maynard Smith
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Parker, G., Smith, J. Optimality theory in evolutionary biology. Nature 348, 27–33 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1038/348027a0

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