Kin Selection Flashcards
At what level does Darwin’s theory of natural selection work?
At the level of an individual’s genes being passed on if that individual survives to reproduce.
Why has Darwin’s idea being criticised?
Because animals have been seen to use altruistic behaviour.
What is altruism?
The unselfish concern for other human beings or animals.
What is an example of animals displaying altruistic behaviour?
Animals can save their group by calling out to warn them of danger, even though by calling out they risk their own life.
The fact that altruism affects survival is said to be contrary to?
The idea of natural selection.
Why do some claim that the fact that altruism affects survival doesn’t go against the idea of natural selection?
Because the animals that are being saved (in this example) are likely to be related to the animal that is ‘on watch’, on principle that offspring will be those nearby.
What is the kin selection theory?
The theory/ idea that it isn’t necessarily that the individual organisme most suited to the environment survives to reproduce its genes; just as long as the genes survive (e.g. in relatives).
What is direct fitness?
The idea that an individual’s genes are passed on when that individual survives in an environment long enough to reproduce their genes.
What is inclusive fitness?
The idea that genes can survive when relatives survive and reproduce.
Who did the idea of inclusive fitness come from?
W. D. Hamilton, an evolutionary biologist (1963).
Given direct & inclusive fitness, how can natural selection be defined?
It is about the genes, that adapt to an environment, surviving through reproduction rather than through any individual.
Examples of organism altruism?
- vampire bats sharing blood
- ground squirrels, prairie dogs & meerkats giving warning calls
- etc.
