George R. Price | |
|---|---|
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| Born | October 16, 1922 New York, United States |
| Died | January 6, 1975 (aged 52) London, United Kingdom |
| Alma mater | University of Chicago |
| Spouse | Julia Madigan (m. 1947 div. 1955) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Population genetics, physical chemistry |
George Robert Price (October 16, 1922 – January 6, 1975) was an American population geneticist. Price is often noted for his formulation of the Price equation in 1967.
Originally a physical chemist and later a science journalist, he moved to London in 1967, where he worked in theoretical biology at the Galton Laboratory, making three important contributions: first, rederiving W.D. Hamilton's work on kin selection with the new Price equation that vindicated group selection; second, introducing (with John Maynard Smith) the concept of the evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS), a central concept in game theory; and third, formalizing Fisher's fundamental theorem of natural selection.
Price converted to Christianity and gave all his possessions to the poor. Struggling with a thyroid condition in conditions of great poverty, he grew increasingly depressed[1] and committed suicide.
- ^ Heinrich, T. W.; Grahm, G. (2003). "Hypothyroidism Presenting as Psychosis: Myxedema Madness Revisited". Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 5 (6): 260–266. doi:10.4088/pcc.v05n0603. PMC 419396. PMID 15213796.