The Selfish Gene
Why do bees sacrifice themselves in large numbers when their hive is attacked by wasps? Why do scrub jays feed their brothers and sisters instead of making their own nests? Why do pseudo-scorpions risk mutilation and death so that their relations can eat? Zoologists like Konrad Lorenz say there is genuine altruism in animal behaviour, and that animals act for the common good of the group.
This programme suggests that this view is both romantic and wrong. Professor John Maynard-Smith interprets these behaviours in a totally different way. The body is mortal but its genes are potentially immortal. So evolution is seen as a competition taking place between genes: the body is a temporary survival machine, constructed by the genes to fight for their ! survival and propagation.
A male lion kills all the cubs when he takes over a pride; in fact, he is just acting in the best interest of his genes. But does success always require such ruthless selfishness?
Film editor Ted WALTER Editor PETER GOODCHILD Producer PETER JONES iNexl week: A Child of our Own)