ABSTRACT

The purpose of the book is to explain evolution in general, and help the reader apply evolutionary ideas to scientific topics. All the concepts used in evolutionary models are explained in a systematic way, and the account has general applicability not just to biology but also to human culture. Two senses of natural selection are distinguished: broad selection and narrow selection. The chapters of the book are briefly summarized as follows: Chapter 1 develops basic evolutionary concepts; Chapter 2 gives historical context; Chapter 3 explains evolutionary forces; Chapter 4 develops multilevel selection theory; Chapter 5 explains cultural evolution; Chapter 6 explains and illustrates multilevel modelling of cultural evolution.