| Abstract: | It is commonly thought that sexual reproduction evolved and is maintained because the more rapid production of recombinant genotypes is of advantage to the species, but this advantage is long-term and is maintained by group selection while the individual committed to sexual reproduction is at an immediate disadvantage. However, Williams & Mitton (1973) and Williams (1975) have recently put forward models for the evolution of sexuality which derive it from individual and not group selection. These are reviewed below and certain limitations pointed out. An alternative, more general model is described. This accounts for the evolution and maintenance of sexual reproduction by processes of individual selection, but does not require to assume enormous fecundity, hyperintense selection, or special life-history features. It is suggested that the present model is sufficiently general to apply to most or all cases of the evolution of sexual reproduction. |
