Can memes drive genes? (2001)
Presentation for Doebeli lab meeting
- Blok (2001)
- Blok, H. (2001). Can memes drive genes?. Retrieved from https://www.cs.ubc.ca/~rikblok/research/presented/blok01/index.html
Abstract
Assuming culture is transmitted horizontally (via imitation) a model was constructed to determine the conditions under which culture can dominate genetic evolution (“get off the leash” according to Blackmore ( Citation: 2000 Blackmore, S. (2000). The meme machine. Oxford University Press. ) ). Two requirements were found: (1) culture must compete with genes (required only for the effect to be empirically testable); and (2) Interactions between individuals must be confined to small groups or neighbourhoods. The model was tested via analysis and simulation.
In this talk I will present the model, analysis, and simulation results. Feedback is appreciated.