Saturday, September 12, 2009

Inclusive fitness can account for most altruistic social behavior

Altruism is unselfish behavior that reduces the fitness of an individual but increases the fitness of another.

ex. Squirrels give a loud alarm at the sight of a predator to warn others. This increases the risk of the individual being killed but helps those who are being warned.


Inclusive fitness: how many of its own offspring an animal produces and supports plus the offspring it can add to the population by supporting others. Kin selection enhances the reproductive success of relatives, which favors inclusive fitness.

Social Learning: learning by observing others.

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