Question

According to Hamilton’s rule,

(A) natural selection does not favor altruistic behavior that causes the death of the altruist.

(B) natural selection favors altruistic acts when the resulting benefit to the recipient, corrected for relatedness, exceeds the cost to the altruist.

(C) natural selection is more likely to favor altruistic behavior that benefits an offspring than altruistic behavior that benefits a sibling.

(D) the effects of kin selection are larger than the effects of direct natural selection on individuals.

Short answer

1. The statement “natural selection does not favor altruistic behavior that causes the death of the altruist” isfalse.

2. The statement “natural selection favors altruistic acts when the resulting benefit to the recipient, corrected for relatedness, exceeds the cost to the altruist” istrue.

3. The statement “natural selection is more likely to favor altruistic behavior that benefits an offspring than altruistic behavior that benefits a sibling” is false.

4. The statement “the effects of kin selection are larger than the effects of direct natural selection on individuals” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Kin selection

Kin selection is defined as the reproductive success of an organism’s colony through the altruistic behavior of the individual organism. It is denoted as inclusive fitness.

In this type of natural selection, an organism gives up its life for the success of its colony.

Natural selection favors altruistic behavior in the organism, which benefits the entire colony.

Explanation of option ‘(A)’

Natural selection favors altruistic behavior because it boosts the likelihood of survival and success of the colony. Altruistic behavior can increase the reproductive fitness of the population. The genes responsible for altruistic behavior get selected by nature.

Therefore, altruistic behavior is favored by natural selection.

Thus, the statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(B)’

Altruistic behavior is advantageous at the group level. Any population that has developed altruistic behavior is ready to give up its life for the benefit of the whole group. The increased relative fitness of the group allows altruistic behavior to evolve.

Therefore, even though altruism can cost the life of the individual, natural selection favors it for the benefit of the group.

Thus, the given statement is true.

Explanation of option ‘(C)’

Altruistic behavior in animals refers to any act exhibited by an individual which is detrimental to itself but benefits the siblings and offspring of the family.

Therefore, natural selection favors altruistic behavior, which benefits both siblings and offspring.

Thus, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(D)’

Kin selection is favored by natural selection because it increases reproductive success. The shared genes are used in kin selection. Individual selection is a lengthier or larger process than kin selection because the chances of reproductive success are less.

Therefore, the process of individual selection is lengthier than kin selection.

Thus, the given option is false.