Horizon Season 1976 Episode 27 The Selfish Gene

The Selfish Gene is an episode of the long-running British science documentary series Horizon, which first aired on March 2, 1976. In this episode, the series explores the concept of the Selfish Gene, a theory that was first introduced by evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins in his seminal book of the same name.

The episode begins by explaining the theory of evolution by natural selection, which has been widely accepted since the time of Charles Darwin. However, the standard explanation of natural selection focused on the survival of the fittest organism or species. Dawkins, on the other hand, posits that the true unit of selection in evolution is the gene, not the organism or the species.

The program then delves into the concept of the Selfish Gene, which argues that every gene is in competition with every other gene in the same genome, fighting for its own replication and propagation. According to the theory, genes are the driving force behind evolution, and organisms are simply their vehicles or survival machines.

The episode features interviews with Dawkins himself, as well as other prominent scientists and thinkers of the time. Viewers are introduced to the complex world of genetics and how it shapes the behavior of not just individual organisms, but entire species.

Through a series of experiments and scientific demonstrations, the episode illustrates how selfish genes can shape behavior at the genetic level. For instance, the program shows how genes can influence an organism's survival and reproduction, from the way they mate to the way they care for their offspring.

The program also explores the idea that selfish genes can sometimes generate altruistic behavior. For instance, genes that encourage cooperation within a family unit can benefit the survival of related genes, even if it means sacrificing the well-being of individual organisms.

The episode ultimately argues that the concept of the Selfish Gene upends many traditional assumptions about evolution and inheritance. It suggests that genes, not organisms, are the true "survivors" in the story of evolution, and that understanding their behavior is key to understanding the evolution of life on Earth.

Overall, The Selfish Gene is a thought-provoking episode of Horizon that has become a classic in the field of evolutionary biology. It challenges viewers to rethink their assumptions about evolution and opens up new avenues for scientific research and inquiry.