Mechanisms of Natural Selection Altruism and Kin Selection

The video explores natural selection, focusing on altruism and kin selection. It explains how altruistic behaviors can evolve through kin selection, where individuals help relatives to enhance inclusive fitness. The ant colony is used as an example, highlighting genetic similarities and reproductive roles. Hamilton's rule is introduced, providing a mathematical framework for understanding altruism. The video also discusses kin selection's influence on aging and family structures, including the grandmother hypothesis and cooperative breeding in birds.

What is the grandmother hypothesis and how does it relate to kin selection?

Describe how cooperative breeding in some species can illustrate kin selection.

In what ways does altruism challenge the traditional view of natural selection?