TED-Ed: Why animals help each other | Ashley Ward

The video explores the concept of cooperation and altruism in the animal kingdom, challenging the traditional view of 'survival of the fittest' as purely about physical strength. It highlights examples like humpback whales rescuing seals, mutualism and parasitism among cleaner fish, meerkat sentry behavior, and reciprocal altruism in vampire bats. The video suggests that fitness can also involve cooperation and altruism, with animals sometimes acting selflessly to protect others, even unrelated species.

What motivates humpback whales to intervene in the predation of seals by orcas?

How does the concept of 'fitness' differ from the common understanding of physical strength in animals?

Can you explain the mutualistic relationship observed in the Great Barrier Reef?

What role do meerkat sentries play in their social structure, and how does it affect their fitness?

Discuss the concept of reciprocal altruism as seen in Costa Rican vampire bats.