[Campbell Biology P.1211] Based on the information about "helpers" among scrub jays, which of... | Practice Question

Based on the information about "helpers" among scrub jays, which of the following is the most plausible evolutionary hypothesis to explain the advantage for these non-breeding individuals assisting in raising offspring?

  • A: Direct reproductive success by raising their own offspring elsewhere.
  • B: Gaining parental experience for future breeding attempts.
  • C: Enhancing inclusive fitness through kin selection by helping relatives.
  • D: Obtaining food and shelter from the breeding pair.

Explanation

The most widely accepted evolutionary explanation for altruistic helping behavior, especially when helpers are non-breeding individuals assisting close relatives, is kin selection. By helping relatives who share a significant portion of their genes reproduce, the helper contributes to the survival and propagation of those shared genes, thereby increasing their inclusive fitness, even if they do not produce their own offspring directly.