Altruism at first was a puzzle to evolutionary biologists because it should
A) be more common in nature because it increases the fitness of recipients.
B) be more common in nature because it increases the fitness of species.
C) not be common in nature because it decreases the fitness of actors.
D) not be common in nature because it decreases the fitness of species.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Altruism decreases the fitness of actors, meaning that they are sacrificing their own reproductive success for the benefit of others. This goes against the basic principle of natural selection, which favors traits that increase an individual's own fitness. Therefore, altruism should not be common in nature.

Altruism at First Was a Puzzle to Evolutionary Biologists Because