Human nature as well as behavior has a great impact upon human evolution. Lately, a study has found that selfish people may survive for a while, but long-term survival requires cooperation.
Researchers used computers to play through vast numbers of “games” simulating scenarios of co-operation and betrayal. By tweaking the strategies of the virtual players they were then able to compare which behaviors resulted in survival. The study pitched players following so-called “zero determinant” or ZD (meaning that in the mathematical model, the value called the determinant is set to zero) strategies (those who acted selfishly) against others taking more benevolent approaches. While the selfish strategists enjoyed a brief advantage, opponents eventually came to recognize and overcome selfish individuals.
Adami, a researchers said, “We found evolution will punish you if you’re selfish and mean. For a short time and against a specific set of opponents, some selfish organisms may come out ahead. But selfishness isn’t evolutionarily sustainable.”
The study has been published in the Nature Communications.
Source: The Independent
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