Multilevel selection proposes that at the same time selection is happening on the traits of individuals, selection also acts on the traits of groups.
多层次选择理论认为，当自然选择作用于个体特征的同时，也在作用于群体层面的特征。
Here's an example: Living in a more social and interconnected group may be beneficial for the members of that group, meaning the group's traits are under selection.
举个例子：生活在一个更具社交性和紧密联系的群体中可能对群体成员有利，这表明群体特征正在受到自然选择的影响。
In nature, this means individuals in well-connected groups may live longer lives and have more offspring because well-connected groups may be better at finding limited resources or detecting predators.
在自然界中，处于关系紧密群体中的个体可能寿命更长，繁衍更多后代，这是因为这类群体在寻找稀缺资源或察觉天敌方面往往更有优势。
The traits of the group as a whole are what's under selection in this case.
在这种情况下，受到自然选择的是整个群体的特征。
Multilevel selection could even select for traits that seem at odds at the individual and group levels.
多层次选择甚至可能会筛选出那些在个体层面和群体层面上看似互相冲突的特征。
For instance, it could mean that selection favors individuals that are more reserved while at the same time favoring groups that are very social, or vice versa.
例如，这可能意味着自然选择会青睐更为保守内敛的个体，同时又有利于高度社交化的群体，反之亦然。
Multilevel selection has been a controversial idea since Charles Darwin first suggested that groups likely affect individuals in his 1871 book "The Descent of Man."
多层次选择理论自从达尔文在1871年的著作《人类的由来》中首次提出群体可能影响个体这一观点以来，一直是个备受争议的理念。
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