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Chapter 1: Problem 12

What are two plausible ways for possible altruistic genes to spread in a population?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Through kin selection and reciprocal altruism.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Gene Spreading

First, we need to understand how genes can spread in a population. Genes can pass from one generation to the next through reproduction, thereby becoming more common if they offer some advantage.
02

Consider Kin Selection Theory

One plausible way altruistic genes can spread is through kin selection. This theory suggests that individuals can pass on their genes by helping relatives, who share many of their own genes, to survive and reproduce. The genetic success increases when the altruist helps relatives more than they help non-relatives.
03

Examine Reciprocal Altruism

Another way altruistic genes could spread is through reciprocal altruism. In this scenario, an individual performs an altruistic act with the expectation that the favor will be returned in the future. This can increase the survival and reproduction chances of both parties involved over time.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Gene Spreading
Genes are like tiny packets of information passed from parents to offspring. The better these genes help the organism survive and thrive, the more likely it is for these genes to become widespread in a population.

When genes encode for behaviors or traits that provide an advantage, like being strong or fast, these traits help the organism to compete for resources and find mates.
  • If such genes help the organism reproduce more efficiently, then the genes have better chances of being passed down through generations.
  • This process helps to "spread" those beneficial genes throughout the population.
Kin Selection Theory
Citizens of the natural world don't just help themselves. In some species, individuals often help their relatives first, before outsiders. This situation highlights the essence of Kin Selection Theory.

Through kin selection, an individual might sacrifice its own well-being to ensure relatives survive and reproduce. Why? Because relatives share many of the same genes!
  • Helping relatives means you're indirectly ensuring that a part of your genetic code continues to exist in the population.
  • For instance, a bird might risk itself by warning its family of predators, even if it means exposing itself to danger. But this action increases the survival chances of its kin, spreading those genes further.
Reciprocal Altruism
Imagine a situation where one individual helps another with the expectation that the favor will be returned someday. This is the basic principle behind Reciprocal Altruism.

In this arrangement, neither party loses out in the long run, as acts of kindness eventually get reciprocated. This type of behavior helps both parties increase their survival and reproduction potential.
  • Trust and repeated interactions between individuals are vital in ensuring that favors are indeed returned.
  • A classic example would be two animals taking turns grooming each other, removing parasites and keeping each other clean.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Suppose someone identifies a "gene" for certain aspects of sexual development. In what ways might that statement be misleading?

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How does an epigenetic change differ from a mutation?

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Describe reasons biological psychologists conduct much of their research on nonhuman animals.
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