Question

According to evolutionary theory, behaviors that optimize survival and reproduction are favored by natural selection and therefore more likely to persist. How, then, can we explain the evolution of altruism, which is by definition costly to the self? Provide an example.

Answer 1

In the natural world altruism exist in purely biological form, it intends to increase the chances of survival and reproduction of fellow members of the species at their own cost. By behaving altruistically the organism may reduce it's own reproduction capacity but, this behavior ensures the increase in capacity and capability of members of it's species, thus, benefitting the survival chances it's species by helping in producing more number of offsprings. Best example of this behavior are behaviors of bees and ants that live in communities with high social interactions and skills. Most of the bees and ants are workers with special assigned works, only few are engaged in reproduction. All the members of the ants and bees species ensure that more number of offsprings are prosuced and thus, their species continue on this earth.