Although the theory of biological evolution is extremely well developed, with a solid core of mathematical and computer modeling, the same is not true of cultural evolution. Our group has developed a body of theory for traits that are culturally transmitted. This theory allows prediction of the extent to which traits will vary in a population as a function of the mode of transmission. Our recent work has combined genetic and cultural transmission in order to study specific cases of medical or sociological interest. The examples I will talk about are the sex ratio (with a special focus on China), lactose intolerance, and IQ. Each requires its own dynamic or statistical framework, although we are converging on a general theoretical approach.

Marcus W. Feldman is the Wohlford Professor of Biological Sciences at Stanford University. He has made important contributions to evolutionary theory and population genetics, including the mathematical analysis of evolution in linked sets of genes, and of the means by which cultural evolution, considered alone and in combination with biological evolution, influences human behavior. Professor Feldman is currently managing editor of Theoretical Population Biology, a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the board of trustees and the science board of the Santa Fe Institute. Professor Feldman was a Guggenheim Fellow in 1976, and a Fellow of the Center for Advanced Studies in the Behavioral Sciences in 1983-1984.

This Forum is OPEN to the public.
Host: Marti Hearst, (415) 812-4742, hearst@parc.xerox.com