The Selfish Gene. Book Summary

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Richard Dawkins

What’s inside

Dawkins’s ‘The Selfish Gene’ revolutionizes the way we see natural selection, arguing that genes are the main unit of evolution.

You’ll Learn

  • Understanding evolutionary biology concepts
  • Insight into gene-centered evolution
  • Appreciation of the complexity of animal behavior
  • Exploration of cultural evolution via memetics

Key Points

  • Genes as the primary unit of selection
  • The concept of the ‘survival machine’
  • Altruism from a gene-centered view
  • Genetic basis for animal behavior
  • The theory of the ‘meme’ for cultural evolution
  • Critique of group selection

Who’s it For

  • Evolutionary biology enthusiasts
  • Students of genetics
  • Readers interested in natural selection
  • Those curious about human behavior

About the author

Richard Dawkins is an evolutionary biologist renowned for his popular science writing and as a prominent atheist.