Final answer:
The social interaction where one individual imposes a penalty on another and suffers a loss as a result is termed 'spite'. It is distinct from altruism, selfishness, and mutual benefit. Evolutionary game theory suggests that many altruistic behaviors may actually contain elements of self-benefit, especially under reciprocal altruism. The correct option is 4) spite
Step-by-step explanation:
Social interaction between animals where one individual imposes a penalty on another, and in so doing suffers a loss, is termed spite. This behavior is not to be confused with altruism, which involves one animal's actions benefiting another animal and often lowering the fitness of the individual performing the act.
In contrast, spiteful behavior results in a loss for both the individual imposing the penalty and the one receiving it, making it distinct from selfishness (where only the actor benefits) and mutual benefit (where both parties benefit).
It is worth noting that in evolutionary game theory, many behaviors that appear altruistic may have underlying selfish components, as natural selection favors behaviors that improve an individual's chances of passing on their genes.
Altruistic acts, on the other hand, sometimes occur under the concept of reciprocal altruism, where individuals perform altruistic acts with the expectation that they will receive similar benefits in the future. The correct option is 4) spite