How Altruism Evolved in Humans

The video explores the concept of altruism, its presence in religious teachings, and its puzzling nature from an evolutionary perspective. It discusses biological altruism in animals, particularly vervet monkeys, and introduces the inclusive fitness theory, which explains altruism through kinship. The video also covers directed altruism, empathy, and the role of cultural evolution and religion in promoting altruistic behavior.

What is a common theme across many world religions that is also a focus of this video?

• Selfishness

• Altruism

• Competition

• Isolation

Which animal is known for making alarm calls to warn others of predators, as discussed in the video?

• Vampire bats

• Vervet monkeys

• Elephants

• Honey bees

What theory suggests that organisms are more likely to help their relatives?

• Social contract theory

• Natural selection theory

• Game theory

• Inclusive fitness theory

What ability is closely tied to the evolution of directed altruism in humans?

• Memory

• Speed

• Empathy

• Physical strength

According to the video, what is directed altruism?

• Helping only family members

• Altruism in response to another's need or distress

• Selfish behavior

• Ignoring others' needs

What role does religion play in the evolution of altruism, as discussed in the video?

• It has no role

• It encourages cooperation and prosocial behaviors

• It promotes competition

• It discourages cooperation

What is the debate between inclusive fitness theorists and those who apply Darwinian logic to culture about?

• The role of cultural evolution in altruism

• The role of technology in evolution

• The importance of physical strength

• The significance of diet in evolution

What is the gene-culture coevolutionary theory?

• A theory that culture is static

• A theory that combines biological and cultural evolution

• A theory that only genes influence behavior

• A theory that culture has no impact on evolution

How does cultural evolution influence genetic evolution, according to the video?

• By creating new social and physical pressures

• By promoting isolation

• By reducing cooperation

• By eliminating cultural practices

What does the video suggest is more important for survival at the population level?

• Being aggressive

• Being smart

• Being social

• Being isolated