Alternative Patterns of Explanation for Major Transitions

This chapter argues that the major transitions literature has been too focused on determining conditions in which there is selection for cooperation, despite the threat of defection. It concentrates on similarities in the mechanisms responsible for bringing about the transitions identified by John Maynard-Smith and Eors Szathmary. The evolution of multicellularity in Volvox carteri is explained through conflict mediation, generating benefit and origins of traits. Each of these three explanations provides difference-makers and shows how they impact a target of explanation. This chapter suggests that different patterns of explanation might yield other similarities across major transitions.