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Economic Theory Suggests Symbiosis is Driven by Simple Self-interest, Not Rewards or Punishment


September 1, 2010

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Applying employment contract theory to symbiosis, a new paper suggests mutually beneficial relationships are maintained by simple self-interest, with partners benefiting from healthy hosts much as employees benefit from robust employers. The new work discounts the theory that host species have evolved to promote symbiosis by promising rewards or threatening punishment.Full Story

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Harvard University

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