Why is a genetic explanation for altruism problematic?
A) Only non-human animals exhibit altruistic behaviors.
B) Altruistic behaviors rarely benefit the individual performing them.
C) Altruism is more common among the young than among adults.
D) No behavior has been linked to any genes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A genetic explanation for altruism is problematic because altruistic behaviors rarely benefit the individual performing them. From an evolutionary perspective, natural selection favors behaviors that increase an individual's fitness (i.e. their ability to survive and reproduce). Altruistic behaviors, in which an individual helps another at a cost to themselves, would seem to reduce their fitness. Therefore, it is difficult to explain how such behaviors could have evolved via genetic mechanisms.

Why Is a Genetic Explanation for Altruism Problematic