Altruism

The video explores the concept of altruism, questioning why humans and animals help others, even at a cost to themselves. It discusses Charles Darwin's initial struggle with altruism as a challenge to natural selection and introduces William Hamilton's inclusive fitness theory, which explains altruism within related groups. The video also examines altruistic behavior beyond kinship, particularly in humans, suggesting that cooperation and selflessness have evolutionary benefits.

Why is altruistic behavior puzzling in the context of natural selection?

• It is always beneficial to the individual.

• It increases the individual's chances of survival.

• It seems to contradict the idea of survival of the fittest.

• It is a recent evolutionary development.

What did Charles Darwin observe about sterile worker bees?

• They act independently of the queen.

• They have no role in the hive.

• They help their blood relatives, especially the queen.

• They are more aggressive than other bees.

What is the main idea behind Hamilton's theory of inclusive fitness?

• Altruism is only beneficial to unrelated individuals.

• Altruism can evolve if it benefits the individual's relatives enough to outweigh the cost.

• Altruism is unrelated to genetic fitness.

• Altruism is a trait that decreases genetic relatedness.

Why do some scientists believe humans evolved large brains?

• To improve physical strength.

• To enhance selfless behavior and cooperation.

• To increase individual survival rates.

• To reduce the need for social interaction.

How does altruism among humans differ from that in ants and bees?

• Humans only help their relatives.

• Humans do not engage in altruistic behavior.

• Humans help others for potential future benefits.

• Humans are less social than ants and bees.