Kin Selection And Social Behavior

Question 0

Sociobiology

Answer 0

Study of evolutionary basis for social behavior

Question 1

Social behavior

Answer 1

An interaction between two or more individuals of the same species, behavior must be affected by conspecific (member of species)

Question 2

Sociality

Answer 2

Living in groups

Question 3

Benefits of sociality

Answer 3

1. Reduce predation (vigilance, enemy repulsion, dilution)
2. Improved foraging (efficiency and finding/gathering food)
3. Resource defense (food, mates, nesting sites)
4. Communal offspring care
5. Protection from elements, energy conservation

Question 4

Costs of sociality

Answer 4

1. Conspicuous to predators
2. Risk of infection
3. Risk of exploitation
4. Risk to offspring
5. Competition for resources

Question 5

Mutualism

Answer 5

Both actor and recipient benefit

Question 6

Altruism

Answer 6

Actor is harmed by recipient benefits

Question 7

Selfishness

Answer 7

Actor benefits but recipient is harmed

Question 8

Spite

Answer 8

Both actor and recipient are harmed, not common in animals (humans mainly)

Question 9

Altruism as a “special difficulty” for theory of natural selection and Darwin

Answer 9

Altruistic individuals should be weeded out by natural selection since it reduces fitness by definition