Ten recent insights for our understanding of cooperation

Since Hamilton published his seminal papers in 1964, our understanding of the importance of cooperation for life on Earth has evolved beyond recognition. Early research was focused on altruism in the social insects, where the problem of cooperation was easy to see. In more recent years, research into cooperation has expanded across the entire tree of life, and has been revolutionized by advances in genetic, microbiological and analytical techniques. We highlight ten insights that have arisen from these advances, which have illuminated generalizations across different taxa, making the world simpler to explain. Furthermore, progress in these areas has opened up numerous new problems to solve, suggesting exciting directions for future research. Research on the evolution of cooperation has been revolutionized by advances in genetic, microbiological and analytical techniques. This Perspective highlights recent insights and considers future directions in research on cooperation.

Automated summary

Since 1964, our understanding of the importance of cooperation for life on Earth has undergone a dramatic transformation. From early research on social insects to the current exploration across the entire tree of life, advances in technology have helped illuminate generalizations of cooperation across different taxa and opened up new directions for future research.