Does the effect of a gene extend beyond the physical body of the organism to influence the environment and the behavior of other individuals? Richard Dawkins, a prominent evolutionary biologist, argues that the gene-centered view of evolution requires a broader definition of the phenotype. He posits that phenotypic effects are not limited to the organism's own body but can encompass the entire environment, including the behavior of other organisms, as a means of ensuring gene replication.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational text in evolutionary biology that challenges standard interpretations of natural selection. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which requires a strong grasp of biological principles to fully comprehend the author's arguments.