Within the transfer space source and sink exchange material and energy to optimize their own productivity. Under certain conditions this optimization will lead to a productivity increase of the whole ensemble. The present day view that cooperation is the most productive interaction between...

Hamilton´s rule is considered a cornerstone in evolutionary biology. It is used to understand why organisms help relatives and serves as starting point for the development of cooperation between strangers. The rule is based on a method from economics. It compares a benefit to cost ratio (k) to...