Altruistic Behaviors Between Closely Related Animals

Question

Altruistic behaviors between closely related animals
A)force individuals to cooperate with one another and thereby increase population growth.
B)increase the frequency of the altruistic genes in the next generation.
C)reduce cooperation between species.
D)ensure the survival of the altruistic individual but not his close relatives.
E)all of the choices are correct.

Accepted Answer

Altruistic behavior between closely related animals is often driven by the presence of genes that promote selflessness towards genetic relatives, known as inclusive fitness. By helping their relatives survive and reproduce, individuals are indirectly increasing the frequency of the altruistic genes in the next generation, even if they don't reproduce themselves. This results in a net benefit for their genetic fitness, and is the main reason why altruism can evolve within populations.