Cooperation in Nature's Web

Kin selection is a concept that explains altruistic behavior by suggesting that organisms help relatives to pass on their genes, not just their own offspring. It was proposed to counter the idea of group selection, which suggested animals act for the good of the group or species.

The selfish gene theory posits that genes are the primary units of selection, suggesting that organisms are vehicles for gene survival. This aligns with kin selection as it emphasizes the importance of passing on genes, even through helping relatives.

Inclusive fitness is a concept that combines direct fitness (the number of offspring an individual produces) with the fitness gained by helping relatives reproduce, thus passing on shared genes.

Reciprocal altruism is a form of cooperation where individuals provide help with the expectation of receiving help in return, often summarized as 'I'll help you if you help me.'

Factors include the ability to recognize individuals, repeated interactions, relatedness, and the enforcement of cooperation through social structures and shared interests.

Vampire bats must feed every night and can share blood meals with others, which helps them survive when they fail to obtain food themselves.

The three species are the common vampire bat, the hairy-legged vampire bat, and the white-winged vampire bat. The common vampire bat primarily feeds on mammals.

Examples include cooperative breeding in species like wolves and meerkats, where some individuals help raise the offspring of others, and social insects like bees, where workers assist the queen in reproduction.

Vampire bats share blood meals with both related and unrelated individuals, forming reciprocal relationships where one bat feeds another with the expectation of receiving help in return.

Relatedness increases the likelihood of cooperation as individuals are more likely to help those who share their genes. However, competition among relatives can diminish the benefits of kin selection.

Social structures influence cooperation by determining how individuals interact, form relationships, and enforce cooperative behaviors, often through networks rather than fixed groups.