Final answer:
Altruism and kin selection explain why individuals may act selflessly towards relatives, as it can increase the chances of their own genes being passed on, ultimately benefiting the species' survival.
Step-by-step explanation:
Evolutionary Explanation of Altruism and Kin Selection
One evolutionary explanation of behavior is the concept of altruism and kin selection. Altruism refers to behaviors that benefit other individuals at a potential cost to oneself. Evolutionary biology and sociobiology suggest that such behaviors may contribute to the survival of the species by aiding in the continuation of one's genetic inheritance. In The Selfish Gene, Richard Dawkins proposed that seemingly altruistic behaviors could actually be viewed as a genetic strategy to pass on shared genes within a family.
Evolutionary psychology examines how behaviors like altruism may have developed to enhance the reproductive success and survival of a species. Kin selection specifically explains why individuals might act altruistically towards their relatives, as by helping kin, one also helps spread his own genes to the next generation. Such instincts are favored by natural selection, particularly if they increase fitness, leading to these characteristics being passed down to future generations.