NBB 201 Lecture Notes - Lecture 21: Kin Selection, Allomothering, Inclusive Fitness
9 Dec 2016
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
From genetic view any behavior with some genetic basis will be selected for or against based on how it affects animal fitness. One can act in hopes of benefitting the group but it will gradually remove the genes that motivate this from the gene pool (always selected against) Why live in groups: costs= competition for resources (food, mates, etc. ) Can lead to excess aggression and unnecessary energetic cost and injury. Pathogen transfer is easier in large groups (higher popu. Density= parasites more common: benefits need to outweigh costs to be viable. Protection (easier to avoid predators= easier to detect, more deterrents and more targets) Foraging efficiency is better when in large groups (information sharing, resource defense, co-operative hunting) There are optimal group sizes that balance costs and benefits best. Why help others: kin selection= leads to selecting for individuals that share more of your genetics. Only works if there are others with similar genetics.
