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codethieftoday at 11:54 AM1 replyview on HN

> It maybe can be, but what is the maxima that is being solved for exactly?

Survival rate/reproduction rate/rate of genes being spread?


Replies

PetitPrincetoday at 12:32 PM

I think you're correct, but only if you add "for a given environment". It's good to develop the ability to store super efficiently fat when you're a Pacific Islander and food is scarce, but this advantageous trait becomes a liability with modern and plentiful (junk) food.

see thrify gene hypothesis; I know it's not a good explanatory theory but it's a good illustration of my point