Kin Selection Flashcards
Why does individual level natural selection occur?
Some individuals have higher fitness than others.
Define group selection.
Defined as the evolution of certain traits because they decrease the chance of a population going extinct.
Define altruism.
The behaviour of an animal which benefits another at its own expense.
Define kin selection.
Evolution of traits because they are passed on by relatives (kin) of individuals who express the traits.
What is the coefficient of relatedness (r)?
Proportion of an individual’s genes (or alleles) identical by descent with those present in another.
What is Hamilton’s Rule?
r b - c > 0
r = relatedness to beneficiary
b = benefit in fraction of additional offspring resulting from altruism
c = cost to altruistic individuals.
