Biological markets

TL;DRAbstract

Various models have been proposed to explain how patterns of cooperative (between conspecifics) and mutualistic (between different species) interaction can arise and can be maintained. Game theoretical approaches, which began with the application of the Prisoners’ Dilemma paradigm, proved very stimulating, but it has become clear that they fall short in accommodating the complexities of the majority of real-life interactions. Various assumptions and implications of these models are not realistic. Thus cooperative and mutualistic interactions do not often occur in dyadic isolation, but mostly take place in a setting where there are many potential players. This implies that partner choice should be an essential element in models of cooperation. Moreover, the ratio of supply and demand for the commodities that the different parties seek to acquire may vary. Depending on this ratio, there may be competition between potential ‘buyers’ and ‘sellers’. Last but not least, there can be communic

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