title: Explaining group-level traits requires distinguishing process from product.
abstract: Smaldino is right to argue that we need a richer theory of group-level traits. He is wrong, however, in limiting group-level traits to units of cultural selection, which require explanations based on group selection. Traits are best understood when explanations focus on both process (i.e., selection) and product (i.e., adaptation). This approach can distinguish group-level traits that arise through within-group processes from those that arise through between-group processes.
authors: Department of Anthropology,University of Missouri,Columbia,MO 65211.karthikpanchanathan@gmail.comhttp://www.missouri.edu.
authors: Karthik
authors: K
authors: Panchanathan
authors: School of Human Evolution and Social Change,Arizona State University,Tempe,AZ 85287.Sarah.Mathew@asu.educharles.perreault@asu.eduhttp://www.asu.edu/
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Mathew
authors: School of Human Evolution and Social Change,Arizona State University,Tempe,AZ 85287.Sarah.Mathew@asu.educharles.perreault@asu.eduhttp://www.asu.edu/
authors: Charles
authors: C
authors: Perreault
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003468:Cultural Evolution; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D012641:Selection, Genetic