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Herbert Axelrod was an American biologist known for his work in evolutionary biology and game theory. He is particularly famous for his theoretical exploration of the evolution of cooperation. Axelrod conducted influential computer tournaments in the 1970s and 1980s to find the most successful strategy for the iterated Prisoner's Dilemma.

The iterated Prisoner's Dilemma is a game theory scenario where two players repeatedly face the choice to cooperate or defect. Axelrod's tournaments involved submitting computer programs representing different strategies. The winning strategy, "Tit for Tat," emerged as remarkably successful. Tit for Tat cooperates on the first move and then mirrors the opponent's previous move. This simple strategy proved robust across various opponents and conditions.

Axelrod's findings, published in his 1984 book "The Evolution of Cooperation," demonstrated how cooperation could emerge and be sustained in a world of self-interested individuals. His work had a significant impact beyond biology, influencing fields such as economics, political science, and sociology. He inspired extensive research into the conditions under which cooperation can evolve in biological and social systems. Axelrod was also a professor and author, contributing to a broader understanding of evolutionary principles and strategic interaction.