AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Evolutionary biologists determined that an animal’s behaviors are altruistic when they benefit other individuals, even to the potential detriment of themselves. Species with complex social structures like bees, ants and termites provide great examples of biological altruism.

Detailed explanation-2: -Altruistic behaviour is common throughout the animal kingdom, particularly in species with complex social structures. For example, vampire bats regularly regurgitate blood and donate it to other members of their group who have failed to feed that night, ensuring they do not starve.

Detailed explanation-3: -Many acts of animal altruism can be explained via two established theories. Kin selection dictates that animals will preferentially help their relatives, thereby benefiting the altruist’s own genetic legacy. Kin selection can explain many acts of altruism among animals that live in groups.

Detailed explanation-4: -Four types of altruism include: nepotistic altruism, reciprocal altruism (or mutualism), group-based altruism and moral altruism.