Question

Under which one or more of the following conditions can altruism evolve in animal societies?

• A. Individuals in a group are closely related to each other.
• B. Individuals live in a high resource, low risk environment.
• C. Individuals in a group mutually help each other at different times.
• D. Mating opportunities are equally distributed among individuals.

Hint:

To identify conditions for altruism: 1. Kin selection occurs when helping relatives increases inclusive fitness.
2. Reciprocal altruism involves mutual benefits over time through cooperation.
3. Environmental factors alone (e.g., resource availability) are insufficient to explain altruism.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, C

Step 1: Define altruism in animal societies. Altruism refers to behaviors that benefit other individuals at a cost to the individual performing the behavior. Such behaviors can evolve under specific conditions that enhance the inclusive fitness or reciprocal benefits of the altruist. Step 2: Analyze the conditions. Option (A): Correct. Kin selection explains that altruism can evolve when individuals in a group are closely related. Helping relatives increases the likelihood of shared genetic material being passed on to the next generation. Option (B): Incorrect. High resource, low-risk environments do not inherently promote altruistic behaviors, as there is less pressure for cooperation or helping behaviors. Option (C): Correct. Reciprocal altruism can evolve when individuals mutually help each other at different times, creating a net benefit for all participants over the long term. Option (D): Incorrect. Equal distribution of mating opportunities does not directly promote altruism, as it does not provide a mechanism for the evolution of helping behaviors.