Final answer:
Reciprocal altruism is expected to evolve in species where individuals interact repeatedly over time, not necessarily among those with a genetic relationship or engaging in kin selection. It's based on mutual benefit and the punishment of cheaters.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reciprocal altruism refers to a situation where an organism provides a benefit to another unrelated individual with the expectation that the favor will be returned in the future. This type of behavior is likely to evolve in species where individuals interact repeatedly over time. Unlike kin selection, which focuses on helping those with a genetic relationship, reciprocal altruism does not require that individuals share genes. Instead, it relies on the principle that cooperation between unrelated individuals can be advantageous if there is a mechanism to ensure the likelihood of reciprocation, and that cheaters are punished. This idea is supported by observations in various animal species, including monkeys, where individuals groom each other with the expectation of being groomed in return, thereby increasing their own fitness. The concept also ties into the broader evolutionary debate surrounding the 'selfish gene' theory proposed by Richard Dawkins, which considers the implications of genetic kinship on altruistic behavior.