Question

If C is the cost of a particular behavior for the donor, B is the benefit of the behavior to the recipient, and r is the coefficient of relationship, what does the equation C < Br describe?

1) conditions under which a selfish behavior will increase in the population
2) conditions under which a selfish behavior will decrease in the population
3) conditions under which an altruistic behavior will increase in the population
4) conditions under which an altruistic behavior will decrease in the population

Answer 1

The equation C < Br describes the conditions under which an altruistic behavior will increase in the population.

Step-by-step explanation:

The equation C < Br describes the conditions under which an altruistic behavior will increase in the population.

Altruistic behaviors are those that lower the fitness of the individual but increase the fitness of another individual. In this equation, C represents the cost of the behavior for the donor, B represents the benefit of the behavior to the recipient, and r represents the coefficient of relationship.

When the cost to the donor (C) is less than the benefit to the recipient (B multiplied by r), altruistic behaviors will be favored and increase in the population.