With regard to understanding the evolution of cooperation, the principal prediction that can be made from the expression Br C is that ________.
A) natural selection will favor cooperation among close relatives
B) cooperation evolves because it benefits all members of a species
C) cooperation evolves because it enhances the species' fitness
D) selection favors self-sacrifice in reproduction
E) natural selection will favor cooperation among any individuals

Question

With regard to understanding the evolution of cooperation, the principal prediction that can be made from the expression Br > C is that ________.
A) natural selection will favor cooperation among close relatives
B) cooperation evolves because it benefits all members of a species
C) cooperation evolves because it enhances the species' fitness
D) selection favors self-sacrifice in reproduction
E) natural selection will favor cooperation among any individuals

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The expression Br > C (where B is the benefit gained by the recipient of a cooperative act, r is the coefficient of relatedness between the actor and the recipient, and C is the cost to the actor) predicts that natural selection will favor cooperation among close relatives because the coefficient of relatedness will be higher among close relatives than among unrelated individuals, making cooperation more beneficial in terms of enhancing the fitness of the individual and its relatives.

With Regard to Understanding the Evolution of Cooperation, the Principal