Editing Evolutionary game theory (section)

===The problem of ritualized behaviour===
[[File:John Maynard Smith.jpg|thumb|The mathematical biologist [[John Maynard Smith]] modelled evolutionary games.]]

Evolutionary game theory started with the problem of how to explain ritualized animal behaviour in a conflict situation; "why are animals so 'gentlemanly or ladylike' in contests for resources?" The leading [[ethologists]] [[Niko Tinbergen]] and [[Konrad Lorenz]] proposed that such behaviour exists [[group selection|for the benefit of the species]]. [[John Maynard Smith]] considered that incompatible with Darwinian thought,<ref>{{cite book |author=Cohen, Marek |title=A Reason for Everything |date=2004 |publisher=Faber and Faber |pages=231–240 |isbn=978-0-571-22393-0}}</ref> where selection occurs at an individual level, so self-interest is rewarded while seeking the common good is not. Maynard Smith, a mathematical biologist, turned to game theory as suggested by George Price, though [[Richard Lewontin]]'s attempts to use the theory had failed.<ref>Video Interview – John Maynard Smith – [http://www.webofstories.com/play/7294?o=MS The creation of Evolutionary Game Theory]</ref>