Kin Selection

 

Define “inclusive fitness”

            The fitness gained by an individual’s reproduction + the reproduction of relatives.

 

Define “kin selection”

There is selection to help relatives who share genes.

 

Explain altruistic behaviors as a consequence of kin selection.

Altruism:  confers a benefit B to someone at a cost C.  The degree of relatedness is r. Br > C for an altruistic behavior to evolve

            Examples: Florida scrub jays

            alarm calling in Belding's ground squirrels

 

Explain eusociality in hymenopterans as a consequence of  kin selection

Females are more related to their sisters than to their mother!

            They can gain more fitness by rearing sisters than daughters.

 

Describe the concept of “reciprocal altruism”

            Selection can favor individuals who are altruistic as long as equally valuable favors are returned by beneficiaries.