Question

In some species, individuals forego reproduction and help bring up another individual's offspring. Such altruistic behaviour cannot be explained by which of the following?

• A. An individual helps relatives only and gets indirect genetic benefits
• B. The individual benefits because it can later inherit the breeding position
• C. The individual benefits because it gets access to resources, such as food and security from predators, in return
• D. The species benefits from a reduction in competition among offspring

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The individual benefits because it gets access to resources, such as food and security from predators, in return

• A behavior that reduces the fitness of the doer and increases the fitness of the recipient is said to be altruistic.
• There is no direct benefit involved in this to the doer. However, there are indirect genetic benefits in which the organism with better traits is taken care of.
• Since the individual takes care of the population it inherits the breeding population.
• Also, the number of offsprings are less . Hence the species will be benefited from reduced competition for food, territory and other resources. Thus the correct answer is option C.