Survival of the fittest does not preclude altruism in nature. Simulations show that unconditionally sacrificing offspring for others does not work in the long run. For altruism to evolve, there must be some benefit to copies of the altruistic gene. Kin selection, where creatures help family members who likely share the same genes, can allow altruistic genes to spread through a population if the benefit of helping outweighs the cost. While the genes are selfish in seeking to replicate, the altruistic behavior of the creatures themselves is genuine.
Survival of the fittest does not mean that creatures cannot act altruistically by hurting their own chances to help others.
Unconditional altruism is not a successful long term strategy as it helps competitors as much as itself.
For altruism to be successful, the cost of the altruistic act needs to be lower than the benefit it provides.
Altruism towards all indiscriminately is rare in nature.
Altruism towards those with a detectable trait like a “green beard” can allow altruistic creatures to coordinate and benefit each other.
Traits for altruism and detectable traits tend to become separated over time, breaking the coordination.
Kin altruism towards family members can be successful as family are likely to share the same altruism gene.
For kin altruism to work, the benefit of the altruistic act needs to outweigh the cost, on average.
The genes involved in altruism are still selfish—they just coordinate copies of themselves.
The creatures themselves can genuinely act altruistically despite their genes being selfish.
Survival of the fittest does not preclude altruism in nature. Simulations show that unconditionally sacrificing offspring for others does not work in the long run. For altruism to evolve, there must be some benefit to copies of the altruistic gene. Kin selection, where creatures help family members who likely share the same genes, can allow altruistic genes to spread through a population if the benefit of helping outweighs the cost. While the genes are selfish in seeking to replicate, the altruistic behavior of the creatures themselves is genuine.
Survival of the fittest does not mean that creatures cannot act altruistically by hurting their own chances to help others.
Unconditional altruism is not a successful long term strategy as it helps competitors as much as itself.
For altruism to be successful, the cost of the altruistic act needs to be lower than the benefit it provides.
Altruism towards all indiscriminately is rare in nature.
Altruism towards those with a detectable trait like a “green beard” can allow altruistic creatures to coordinate and benefit each other.
Traits for altruism and detectable traits tend to become separated over time, breaking the coordination.
Kin altruism towards family members can be successful as family are likely to share the same altruism gene.
For kin altruism to work, the benefit of the altruistic act needs to outweigh the cost, on average.
The genes involved in altruism are still selfish—they just coordinate copies of themselves.
The creatures themselves can genuinely act altruistically despite their genes being selfish.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFEgohhfxOA