Mutualism and Altruism in Animals

The video explores the concept of cooperation and altruism in the animal kingdom, challenging the traditional view of 'survival of the fittest' as purely about strength. It highlights examples like humpback whales rescuing seals, cleaner wrasse engaging in mutualism, meerkats using sentries for protection, and vampire bats practicing reciprocal altruism. These behaviors illustrate that fitness can also involve cooperation and helping others, sometimes even at a cost to oneself.

Why do humpback whales sometimes deviate from their migration path?

• To join other whale pods

• To find new feeding grounds

• To rescue seals from predators

• To avoid storms

What did Darwin mean by 'fitness' in his theory?

• Physical strength

• Ability to dominate others

• Likelihood of passing on genes

• Speed and agility

What is mutualism in the animal kingdom?

• A relationship where one party is neutral

• A relationship where one benefits and the other is harmed

• A relationship where neither party benefits

• A relationship where both parties benefit

What is a potential downside of mutualism turning parasitic?

• The mutualistic relationship is temporarily harmed

• The parasite species dies

• The host species becomes extinct

• The relationship becomes permanent

How do meerkats benefit from having a sentry?

• The sentry leads them to water

• The sentry warns them of predators

• The sentry finds food for them

• The sentry helps them dig

What is the main risk for meerkat sentries?

• Being left behind by the group

• Starving while on duty

• Being attacked by predators

• Getting lost

What is the main benefit of indirect fitness?

• Gaining more food

• Helping relatives pass on genes

• Increased personal survival

• Finding better habitats

How do vampire bats practice reciprocal altruism?

• By sharing their roosts

• By grooming each other

• By sharing food with hungry bats

• By hunting together

What is the expectation in reciprocal altruism?

• No expectation of return

• Immediate return of favor

• Monetary compensation

• Future reciprocation

Why is the altruistic behavior of humpback whales puzzling to researchers?

• They are trained by humans

• They do it for food rewards

• They risk their lives for unrelated animals

• They only help their own species