A first formal link between the price equation and an optimization program

The Darwin unification project is pursued. A meta-model encompassing an important class of population genetic models is formed by adding an abstract model of the number of successful gametes to the Price equation under uncertainty., A class of optimization programs are defined to represent the individual-as-maximizing-agent analogy in a general way. It is then shown that. for each population genetic model there is a corresponding optimization program with which formal links can be established. These links provide. a secure logical foundation for the commonplace biological principle that natural selection leads organisms to act as if maximizing their fitness, provides, a definition of fitness, and clarifies the limitations of that principle. The situations covered do not include frequency: dependence or social behaviour, but the approach is capable of extension. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.