From Darwin himself onward, ants have posed a challenge to evolutionary
biologists: whether it is “survival of the fittest” or “selfish genes” how can
it explain altruism among ant workers, who are sterile and leave no
successors? In Social Evolution in Ants (Princeton University Press,
£19.95/$29.95, ISBN 0 691 04426 0), Andrew Bourke and Nigel
Franks meet this challenge head-on, explaining kin selection theory and all
its ramifications. Not a book for the merely curious or faint-hearted, but
clear and thorough.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Test moderators use AI-generated writing to judge literacy standards
News
Mind
THC in cannabis may reduce nightmares in people with PTSD
News
Environment
Fishers detonate a bomb every hour on one Indonesian coral reef
News
Environment
How bad is the UK drought and how long will it continue?
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles