Final answer:
Reciprocal altruism in vampire bats is not random but based on factors such as previous sharing, proximity, desperation, and group membership.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reciprocal altruism in vampire bats is not based on random blood-sharing, but rather on certain factors.
Vampire bats engage in reciprocal altruism when they share blood meals with other bats in their colony. This behavior is not random, but is based on several factors:
- Previous Sharing: Bats that have shared blood with each other in the past are more likely to continue sharing in the future.
- Proximity: Bats that are in close proximity to each other are more likely to share blood.
- Desperation: Bats that are hungry and unable to find a blood meal on their own are more likely to be recipients of shared blood.
- Group Membership: Bats that belong to the same social group or colony are more likely to engage in reciprocal blood-sharing.
Overall, reciprocal altruism in vampire bats is a strategic behavior that maximizes the chances of survival for individual bats and contributes to the overall fitness of the colony.