Kin Selection and Altruism Concepts

The video explores altruism in primates, highlighting behaviors like grooming and food sharing that benefit others at a personal cost. It discusses the evolutionary mechanism of kin selection, where altruistic behaviors are favored because they increase the fitness of relatives sharing similar genes. The concept of genetic relatedness is explained, showing how it influences altruistic actions. A scenario illustrates how an individual may sacrifice itself to protect relatives, ensuring the survival of shared genes.

What is an example of altruistic behavior observed in non-human primates?

• Grooming others

• Ignoring danger

• Fighting for territory

• Hoarding food

What is a cost associated with grooming in primates?

• Attracting predators

• Time away from gathering food

• Loss of social status

• Increased anxiety

What is a benefit of grooming for the recipient?

• Increased anxiety

• Removal of dirt or insects

• Loss of social bonds

• Decreased fitness

How does kin selection explain the evolution of altruism?

• By increasing the fitness of relatives

• By reducing competition for resources

• By benefiting unrelated individuals

• By increasing the actor's own fitness

Why might an individual engage in altruistic behavior according to kin selection?

• To avoid social interactions

• To decrease their own fitness

• To increase the survival of their genes through relatives

• To gain immediate rewards

What is the primary focus of the kin selection theory?

• Individual survival

• Group dominance

• Genetic fitness of relatives

• Resource acquisition

What percentage of genes does Sue share with her full brother?

• 75%

• 50%

• 25%

• 12.5%

What is the relationship between Sue and her first cousin in terms of shared genes?

• 50%

• 25%

• 12.5%

• 75%

In the example, what action does Sue take when she sees a predator?

• She hides silently

• She calls out an alarm

• She runs away alone

• She attacks the predator

What is the potential consequence for Sue after warning her group about the predator?

• She becomes the leader

• She is targeted by the predator

• She is ignored by the group

• She finds more food