Question

If B = the benefit of a behavior to a recipient, C = the cost of the behavior of the donor, and r = the degree of relatedness between the recipient and donor, then if rB ___ C, altruism can evolve.

a) is less than (<)
b) is greater than (>)
c) equals (=)

Answer 1

If rB ___ C, altruism can evolve. The symbols <, >, or = can be used to fill in the blank.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of altruism, if rB ___ C, altruism can evolve. The symbol ___ can be replaced with one of the following symbols: <, >, or =. When rB < C, altruism can evolve. This means that the degree of relatedness multiplied by the benefit to the recipient is less than the cost to the donor. In this case, the donor would be at a disadvantage and experience a net loss.

On the other hand, when rB > C, altruism can also evolve. This means that the degree of relatedness multiplied by the benefit to the recipient is greater than the cost to the donor. In this scenario, the donor would benefit overall, even though there is a cost involved.

If rB = C, altruism can still evolve. This means that the degree of relatedness multiplied by the benefit to the recipient is equal to the cost to the donor. In this case, the donor is breaking even, with neither a net gain nor a net loss.