Chapter 7: The Evolution of Cooperation

Question 1

define altruism

Answer 1

helping others at no benefit/a cost to yourself

Question 2

define mutualism

Answer 2

helpful acts that benefits both parties

Question 3

define free loaders

Answer 3

individuals who reap the benefits but don’t suffer any consequences

Question 4

what is kin selection?

Answer 4

a process where natural selection favours a trait due to its positive impact on the reproductive success of an organisms relatives, even when at a cost to the organism itself

Question 5

what do the variables in hamilton’s rule stand for? (rb>c)

Answer 5

r: degree of relatedness
b: sum of benefits
c: sum of costs

Question 6

what are the costs and benefits of grooming?

Answer 6

benefits: social bonds, hygiene, conflict resolution
cost: time and energy

Question 7

is the rank of a female transferred to her offspring?

Answer 7

yes

Question 8

who are more closely related, parents/offspring or siblings?

Answer 8

parents and offspring

Question 9

what is reciprocal altrusim?

Answer 9

individuals trading reciprocal acts (needs to be targeted at one person)