George C. Williams

George C. Williams was an influential American evolutionary biologist known for his work on natural selection and evolutionary theory. He emphasized that natural selection works primarily to optimize an organism’s reproductive success, not necessarily its perfection. Williams challenged ideas that emphasized genetic "hardwiring" or adaptation for complexity without considering trade-offs and constraints. His key book, "Adaptation and Natural Selection," helped shape modern understanding of evolution by focusing on the importance of survival and reproduction, and he is considered a foundational figure in the study of evolutionary biology and the development of evolutionary medicine.