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Select the best term to describe when humans behave in ways that maximize their own and their family’s chances of reproduction.

a) Humanism
b) Inclusive fitness
c) Psychoanalytic Theory
d) Behaviorism

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

The best term to describe human behavior aimed at maximizing reproductive success is 'b) Inclusive fitness,' which includes the concept of kin selection and is an essential aspect of evolutionary biology.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term that best describes when humans behave in ways that maximize their own and their family's chances of reproduction is b) Inclusive fitness. This concept stems from evolutionary biology and emphasizes that individuals are driven to pass on their genes to the next generation, not only through direct reproduction but also by supporting relatives' reproductive success. The theory of inclusive fitness includes the concept of kin selection, where individuals may sacrifice their own chances of survival or reproduction to enhance the survival of relatives who share a portion of their genes. This behavior is key in understanding the so-called 'altruistic' actions in the natural world, as explained by evolutionary game theory. While it appears as though individuals are acting against their own self-interest, these behaviors are actually contributing to the individual's overall genetic success in their population.

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