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The Extended Selfish Gene
The Selfish Gene is a classic exposition of evolutionary thought. In it Professor Dawkins articulates a gene's eye view of evolution - a view giving centre stage to these persistent units of information, and in which organisms can be seen as vehicles for the replication of genes. The book provoked widespread and heated debate, which in part led Dawkins to write The Extended Phenotype, in which he gave a deeper clarification of the central concept of the gene as the unit of selection, as well as contributing his own development of this insight.
For the first time, The Extended Selfish Gene brings these two books together, by including two key chapters from The Extended Phenotype. These chapters provide Dawkins's detailed and powerful response to two issues raised by critics of The Selfish Gene the accusations of genetic determinism (the idea that our behaviour is entirely determined by our genes), and of "adaptationism" (that all traits are indiscriminately perceived to be adaptations resulting from natural selection). While written in particular for the biology community, Dawkins's clarity of expression allows these chapters to be accessible to all who are seriously engaged with the gene's eye view and its implications.
The imaginative, powerful, and stylistically brilliant Selfish Gene not only brought the insights of Neo-Darwinism to a wide audience, but galvanized the biology community, generating much debate and stimulating whole new areas of research. Forty years later, its insights remain as significant as on the day it was published. Along with the two extra chapters, The Extended Selfish Gene includes a new epilogue to The Selfish Gene from the author which highlights the relevance of the gene's eye view to evolutionary biology today.
For the first time, The Extended Selfish Gene brings these two books together, by including two key chapters from The Extended Phenotype. These chapters provide Dawkins's detailed and powerful response to two issues raised by critics of The Selfish Gene the accusations of genetic determinism (the idea that our behaviour is entirely determined by our genes), and of "adaptationism" (that all traits are indiscriminately perceived to be adaptations resulting from natural selection). While written in particular for the biology community, Dawkins's clarity of expression allows these chapters to be accessible to all who are seriously engaged with the gene's eye view and its implications.
The imaginative, powerful, and stylistically brilliant Selfish Gene not only brought the insights of Neo-Darwinism to a wide audience, but galvanized the biology community, generating much debate and stimulating whole new areas of research. Forty years later, its insights remain as significant as on the day it was published. Along with the two extra chapters, The Extended Selfish Gene includes a new epilogue to The Selfish Gene from the author which highlights the relevance of the gene's eye view to evolutionary biology today.
548 pages, Hardcover
Published November 1, 2016
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April 17, 2017
The origin of species and the selfish gene
Advances in genetics and developmental biology in the last five decades have challenged us to think about the role of genes preparing the species against the challenges of the environment. Biologist Richard Dawkins coins the metaphor “selfish gene” to suggest that genes are tempered by their need to keep their carrier species successful in nature, which is fundamental to its survival in the evolutionary process.
A brief summary of the book is as follows: Dawkins argues that the evolutionary concept of Natural Selection chooses specific sets of genes that confer the individual species to behave altruistically. For example, family and social behavior of feeding and protecting a social structure is common among species that share copies of the same genes. Within each individual species, some leave more “fit” offspring that contain some inheritable traits (genes). This non-random differential reproduction of genes is referred to as Natural Selection. A gene by cooperating with group if successful companion gene pools build a mortal machine that survives through a finite time. And all phenotypic effects, a set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from an interaction of its genotype with its environment is present in an individual body. Genes have different functions; some genes are workers, some builders, while others manage the operation as a whole. This helps us understand the complex genetic networks regulating metabolism, reproduction and development. The gene pools give an inside look at the intricate and often surprising adaptations among species. The genetics of immune systems, the evolutionary benefits of sexual reproduction, and genetic differences among human populations are few examples of adaptation and natural selection. For example, humans and chimpanzee share about 99% of their evolutionary history. But how is that humans claim to be more “evolved” than chimpanzees? How did they acquire bigger brains?
A comparison of the DNA of chimpanzees and humans showed that a single letter change in the DNA of one gene triggered an increase in a population of stem cells called basal radial glia. These cells are thought to have powered the expansion of the human cerebral cortex. It also seems that chunks of DNA in the human had acquired “back-up copies” of particular genes, That made them ripe for some evolutionary tinkering; if the copy happens to acquire a few coding errors, there’s no problem, there’s still the functioning original. Once in a while however, a copying error might lead to a new function that is useful. A closer look at a duplicated human gene named SRGAP2C is a slightly altered in humans, but the unaltered original gene is found in chimps but the human SRGAP2C, delayed the maturation of neurons so spines kept sprouting, which enabled them to make more connections. Neurons develop and they acquire spines that act like antennae for receiving messages from other neurons. But the spines stop sprouting once the neurons mature, but altered SRGAP2C, by delaying the maturation process help it to get big and develop more connections and increases the complexity of the brain as it happened in humans.
Another backup copy of a gene that is present in humans but absent from chimps called ARHGAP11B caused a particular population of brain stem cells – basal radial glia – to increase their rounds of multiplication and grow bigger. The altered FOXP2 gene, unique to humans is responsible for turning thoughts into speech, but the unaltered genome is present in chimps where this evolutionary behavior is absent.
This book is 560 pages long and contains very little biological or genetic data. It is written for general readers that require no significant knowledge in evolutionary biology.
Advances in genetics and developmental biology in the last five decades have challenged us to think about the role of genes preparing the species against the challenges of the environment. Biologist Richard Dawkins coins the metaphor “selfish gene” to suggest that genes are tempered by their need to keep their carrier species successful in nature, which is fundamental to its survival in the evolutionary process.
A brief summary of the book is as follows: Dawkins argues that the evolutionary concept of Natural Selection chooses specific sets of genes that confer the individual species to behave altruistically. For example, family and social behavior of feeding and protecting a social structure is common among species that share copies of the same genes. Within each individual species, some leave more “fit” offspring that contain some inheritable traits (genes). This non-random differential reproduction of genes is referred to as Natural Selection. A gene by cooperating with group if successful companion gene pools build a mortal machine that survives through a finite time. And all phenotypic effects, a set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from an interaction of its genotype with its environment is present in an individual body. Genes have different functions; some genes are workers, some builders, while others manage the operation as a whole. This helps us understand the complex genetic networks regulating metabolism, reproduction and development. The gene pools give an inside look at the intricate and often surprising adaptations among species. The genetics of immune systems, the evolutionary benefits of sexual reproduction, and genetic differences among human populations are few examples of adaptation and natural selection. For example, humans and chimpanzee share about 99% of their evolutionary history. But how is that humans claim to be more “evolved” than chimpanzees? How did they acquire bigger brains?
A comparison of the DNA of chimpanzees and humans showed that a single letter change in the DNA of one gene triggered an increase in a population of stem cells called basal radial glia. These cells are thought to have powered the expansion of the human cerebral cortex. It also seems that chunks of DNA in the human had acquired “back-up copies” of particular genes, That made them ripe for some evolutionary tinkering; if the copy happens to acquire a few coding errors, there’s no problem, there’s still the functioning original. Once in a while however, a copying error might lead to a new function that is useful. A closer look at a duplicated human gene named SRGAP2C is a slightly altered in humans, but the unaltered original gene is found in chimps but the human SRGAP2C, delayed the maturation of neurons so spines kept sprouting, which enabled them to make more connections. Neurons develop and they acquire spines that act like antennae for receiving messages from other neurons. But the spines stop sprouting once the neurons mature, but altered SRGAP2C, by delaying the maturation process help it to get big and develop more connections and increases the complexity of the brain as it happened in humans.
Another backup copy of a gene that is present in humans but absent from chimps called ARHGAP11B caused a particular population of brain stem cells – basal radial glia – to increase their rounds of multiplication and grow bigger. The altered FOXP2 gene, unique to humans is responsible for turning thoughts into speech, but the unaltered genome is present in chimps where this evolutionary behavior is absent.
This book is 560 pages long and contains very little biological or genetic data. It is written for general readers that require no significant knowledge in evolutionary biology.
March 5, 2017
This is not a revision of The Selfish Gene but is a 40th Anniversary edition in which The Selfish Gene is supplemented by material from Dawkins' book The Extended Phenotype.
See my Amazon review.
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2031C3...
See my Amazon review.
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2031C3...
August 19, 2020
I picked up this beautiful 40th anniversary hard-cover edition of Dawkin's "The Selfish Gene" already a fan of Dawkins and cognisant of this book's legacy as a seminal piece of evolutionary biology literature.
It did not disappoint. Dawkin's ability to write in comprehensible language is a skill he uses liberally, though I must say as someone with a fairly good grasp of the science, sometimes it did stray into territory that was at some points harder to grasp. Dawkins has a knack for recognising when the content of the book is heading this way, and promptly draws the reader back to the salient points, and the key principles of neo-Darwinism - a return-to-Earth from increasingly advanced concepts.
It is extremely interesting from a biological point of view and throws up many many intriguing ways to think about evolution from the gene's eye view, instead of the level of the organism. He does very well at higlighting in a huge number of ways, why this is the case and how it is the case.
He dismantles the 'group selection' theory proficiently throughout.
One of my favourite things, was that despite keeping it mostly unchanged from his 1970s edition, he consistenly adds footnotes at the back of the book that update the reader on changes or developments of certain theories. These typically back up the sometimes unsubstantiated thoeries proposed in the original - another tick in the column of the gene's eye view. The logic of the theory is typically proven correct.
I would love one day to have Dawkins sign this book. It is one that has invigorated the mind and lent further weight and inspiration to my journey in becoming a Biology teacher. This beautiful book will long be a classic that sits on my shelf with a degree of prestige and honour. The world of Biology owes much to Prof Dawkins, though I am more than sure any praise towards him would swiftly be redirected to other legends in the field, and to the natural world itself.
If you are a biology buff, you will have probably read this, and if not, you should.
If you are not, than perhaps one of Dawkin's other books such as the Magic of Reality or The Greatest Show on Earth may be more accessible. Do yourself a favour and get into at least one of them.
It did not disappoint. Dawkin's ability to write in comprehensible language is a skill he uses liberally, though I must say as someone with a fairly good grasp of the science, sometimes it did stray into territory that was at some points harder to grasp. Dawkins has a knack for recognising when the content of the book is heading this way, and promptly draws the reader back to the salient points, and the key principles of neo-Darwinism - a return-to-Earth from increasingly advanced concepts.
It is extremely interesting from a biological point of view and throws up many many intriguing ways to think about evolution from the gene's eye view, instead of the level of the organism. He does very well at higlighting in a huge number of ways, why this is the case and how it is the case.
He dismantles the 'group selection' theory proficiently throughout.
One of my favourite things, was that despite keeping it mostly unchanged from his 1970s edition, he consistenly adds footnotes at the back of the book that update the reader on changes or developments of certain theories. These typically back up the sometimes unsubstantiated thoeries proposed in the original - another tick in the column of the gene's eye view. The logic of the theory is typically proven correct.
I would love one day to have Dawkins sign this book. It is one that has invigorated the mind and lent further weight and inspiration to my journey in becoming a Biology teacher. This beautiful book will long be a classic that sits on my shelf with a degree of prestige and honour. The world of Biology owes much to Prof Dawkins, though I am more than sure any praise towards him would swiftly be redirected to other legends in the field, and to the natural world itself.
If you are a biology buff, you will have probably read this, and if not, you should.
If you are not, than perhaps one of Dawkin's other books such as the Magic of Reality or The Greatest Show on Earth may be more accessible. Do yourself a favour and get into at least one of them.
August 11, 2019
Finally, I got a grip on this book and read it. I have no choice but to give it five stars - it is a brilliantly written account on the basics of evolution and behavior in the world of (terrestrial) living creatures. I know the book was written in 1976; however, Dawkins' arguments sound astonishingly (or suspiciously?) up-to-date. Or at least I am not aware of some recent theories or discoveries that disprove his views (I am not a scientist, though). Maybe, after all, he was right?
I wanted to present a recommendation here. The book is rather lengthy and the style of writing is rather generously full of detailed explanations and examples. This is why I wanted to write here: to grasp the essence of the book, the important chapters are so-and-so. But honestly, I can't say that any chapter ranks higher in significance than any other. I find all the chapters equally important.
The most interesting idea I discovered in the book is the idea of the (mi)meme as a cultural(?) counterpart of the gene. I hope Dawkins has developed this idea elsewhere or that he will do in the future.
I wanted to present a recommendation here. The book is rather lengthy and the style of writing is rather generously full of detailed explanations and examples. This is why I wanted to write here: to grasp the essence of the book, the important chapters are so-and-so. But honestly, I can't say that any chapter ranks higher in significance than any other. I find all the chapters equally important.
The most interesting idea I discovered in the book is the idea of the (mi)meme as a cultural(?) counterpart of the gene. I hope Dawkins has developed this idea elsewhere or that he will do in the future.
January 3, 2026
OK, but why not read both The Selfish Gene and The Extended Phenotype: The Long Reach of the Gene? OK, there is a huge jump in technicality from the former, which isn't technical at all, to the latter, which probably requires an undergraduate degree level understanding. But still...
October 1, 2025
Highly enjoyable and thought provoking even on a re-read almost two decades later.
December 31, 2025
Fascinating work that requires us to see an alternative method of investigating evolution.
January 31, 2025
Absolutely magnificent in every possible way. The selfish gene eloquently explains perfectly the question of biological altruism vs selfishness. We are comprised of genes which formed to make secure bodies to protect themselves. These genes wish to survive and as such will do anything in their self interested nature to survive including helping others which results in altruism. Dawkins then extends this into a species interactions in conflict, in mating, in family and then finally in nature as a whole in such an easy to understand way. After reading Dawkins as well as one of Cox's work I cannot buy the stereotype that scientists are these grey, pencil pushers who do boring work. They are rather excitable characters obsessed with the wonders of the mechanisms of life while infected with an eagerness to share with the populace and that really shows in this book.
And then you have the chapters taken from the extended phenotype which adds heavily to this masterpiece. The first of these 2 chapters touches on the human psychology and how while our genes may be anything but altruistic we are not our genes and can fight against them to be kinder due to consciousness. The second of these chapters touches on constraints to natural selection and how biological species are imperfect due to several limiting factors.
11/10- truly phenomenal
And then you have the chapters taken from the extended phenotype which adds heavily to this masterpiece. The first of these 2 chapters touches on the human psychology and how while our genes may be anything but altruistic we are not our genes and can fight against them to be kinder due to consciousness. The second of these chapters touches on constraints to natural selection and how biological species are imperfect due to several limiting factors.
11/10- truly phenomenal
February 2, 2024
It's hard to believe that this was written nearly 50 years ago! (Though this extended edition has updates and additional content as recent as 2016). It's held up very well. Even today (maybe especially today), people have mistaken ideas about what is meant by evolution and natural selection, assuming, and arguing against, something that it really isn't at all. Dawkins does a great job of explaining the concepts in terms of cell and gene replication. He even spends some time describing what he calls "cultural evolution" and explaining why this is NOT classical biological evolution, though it does exhibit some of the same characteristics, and happens at a much quicker rate (and as the Internet proliferates, even quicker). To top it all off, this is the very book in which the term "meme" was invented by Dawkins! It's a pretty dense read - the only book I've ever had to keep two bookmarks in. One marking my place in the book proper, and one in the 76-page section of end notes.
July 10, 2018
Ignore all the widespread information and prevalent opinions about this book and ignore the talks and speeches by Richard Dawkins dealing with Christianity and religion as such and don't let those form your opinion about this book without reading it and instead go and read it. It is incredibly well written and it deals with complex questions about life that ought to be interesting for basically anyone. I've found it to be a perfect introduction into evolutionary theories and even though it is 40+ years old and many new facts emerged, the core is still sound and relevant. Maybe consider reading some current critique that points out how our new knowledge affected the theories presented in this book.
March 6, 2021
Great book about evolutionary biology. Plain, engaging, even humble, the layman tone of the book sometimes drifts into an essay, which explains why criticism from other evolutionary biologists went to such serious heights. It is a pleasure to read, witty, and, (to me most importantly) teaches one about evolution regardless of one's opinion on the gene-centered view of the process. As a bonus point, the book is brimming with tales of animal life systems, these facts and curiosities often resulting as entertaining as watching a David Attenborough documentary.
On a more technical note, the discussions on all the different evolutionary takes on selection, evolutionary stable states, and so on, are bound to be as equally enriching to biologists as to the general public.
On a more technical note, the discussions on all the different evolutionary takes on selection, evolutionary stable states, and so on, are bound to be as equally enriching to biologists as to the general public.
March 16, 2019
Very nice teaching and clear logic. The laws of our universe as time progresses decide what will survive and what will not in both small and large timescales. It's easy to understand the winner of a short game but it's hard for a long race. It's sometimes even harder to identify who is racing against whom. Evolution is such a puzzle with large timescale and complicated dynamics between different players. Richard created a set of theories that explain a lot of phenomena very well. It is a good "Meme" created by this man who also created the word himself.
November 12, 2020
This book is no where near the original classic "The Selfish Gene". This book appears to be sequel to the original book clarifying some concepts as well as adding some research notes. This also reinforces my beleif that one should not read multiple books from the same author based on one original classic. The later books are only the tail wagging, trying to extract revenue based on the original classic.
So, in a nutshell, there is nothing new in this book if you had read the original classic. 5* for the original remains!
So, in a nutshell, there is nothing new in this book if you had read the original classic. 5* for the original remains!
April 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I cracked it because this is the book wherein Dawkins defined the concept of the meme. (FYI, the current usage of 'meme' has little to do with Dawkins.) I found that I was fascinated by and learned a lot from the entire book. Partly, this was due to Dawkins ability to write informatively AND at an easy-to-understand level.
I ended up being so taken with the book that I immediately put other Dawkins books in my queue.
I ended up being so taken with the book that I immediately put other Dawkins books in my queue.
December 26, 2024
This was fun and easy to read overall. I am also incredibly skeptical of anything it argued. Dawkins dismisses his opponents by asserting his preferred definitions rather than offering strong evidence, or even through developing points over multiple logical steps. It's cool that this book introduced the concept of memes, but the arguments of that chapter, the last in the book, are especially muddled.
April 5, 2021
Love this book.
Read
January 17, 2017591.5 D271se 2016
July 3, 2021
Wonderfully written, and unexpectedly informative.
Another one I wish I knew of earlier.
Another one I wish I knew of earlier.
August 2, 2022
So many stimulating ideas in this book. Will def read more Dawkins!
January 1, 2023
Best popular science book.
October 12, 2023
OMG I am almost as happy to have slogged my way through this totally comprehensible book clearly written for biologists as I was to finish Ulysses by James Joyce!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews