You go to the zoo and observe one panda helping another in an altruistic way. A veterinarian who is about to go check on the pandas sees that you are interested in them and tells you he frequently sees one helping the other out with no obvious benefit to the one doing the helping. If you found out they are not related but spend lots of time together, what theory could best account for their altruistic behaviour?
A)kin selection theory
B)polygenic transmission
C)theory of reciprocal altruism
D)domain-specific adaptation
E)social Darwinism

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The theory of reciprocal altruism best accounts for altruistic behavior between non-related individuals who spend a lot of time together. It suggests that individuals help each other with the expectation that the favor will be returned in the future, thus benefiting both parties over time.

You Go to the Zoo and Observe One Panda Helping