Humans cooperate with others on a daily basis; we care for family when they are ill, we take turns paying for meals with friends, and we give money to strangers in need. This behavior seems so natural to us that we might not bother asking why we engage in such behavior, and why it's so much rarer in other species. Biologists use evolutionary game theory to develop mathematical models that help us think through why such behavior is puzzling, why it happens nonetheless, and the condi- tions when it is likely to arise. We will work through some basic evolutionary game theory models of cooperation to help us understand some of the challenges we face in fostering cooperation in societies, and some of the possible solutions. Series supported by Instructionally-Related Activities Funds

Coffee, Tea & Cookies at 3:45pm in Darwin 103