title: An interpretation and proof of the Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection.
abstract: Fisher's "Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection" has long caused controversy in population genetics theory. Viewed as a statement about the increase, or rate of increase, of mean fitness over time, it encounters difficulties with cases arising in a multi-locus system for which mean fitness can decrease. An interpretation of the theorem is put forward here which implies that it is correct as a mathematical statement, but of less biological value than was claimed by Fisher.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mathematics, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Ewens
mesh_terms: D005787:Gene Frequency; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008957:Models, Genetic; D015233:Models, Statistical; D012641:Selection, Genetic; D012725:Sexual Behavior