Inclusive fitness theory explains altruistic behaviors from "summary" of The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins,Charles Simonyi Professor of the Public Understanding of Science Richard Dawkins,David Dawkins,RICHARD AUTOR DAWKINS
The idea that altruistic behaviors can be explained by inclusive fitness theory is a key concept in understanding how natural selection operates not only at the level of the individual, but also at the level of genes. Inclusive fitness theory suggests that an individual can increase their genetic success by helping relatives who share their genes survive and reproduce. This means that even if an individual sacrifices their own reproductive success to aid a relative, they are still promoting the spread of their genes in the population. This concept challenges the traditional view of natural selection, which focuses solely on the survival and reproduction of the individual. By considering the genetic relatedness between individuals, inclusive fitness theory provides a more nuanced explanation for why altruistic behaviors exist in nature. From the perspective of genes, it makes sense for an organism to help relatives who carry copies of the same genes, as this indirectly promotes the spread of those genes in future generations. Inclusive fitness theory helps to explain seemingly selfless acts of altruism that are observed in nature, such as animals risking their lives to protect offspring or individuals sharing resources with relatives. These behaviors may appear selfless on the surface, but when viewed through the lens of inclusive fitness theory, they can be seen as ultimately serving the genetic interests of the individual. This theory also sheds light on the evolution of social behaviors in species where cooperation and group living are common. By helping relatives who share their genes, individuals can increase the overall genetic success of their family or group. In this way, altruistic behaviors can be favored by natural selection, leading to the emergence of complex social structures and cooperative behaviors in many species.- Inclusive fitness theory provides a powerful framework for understanding how altruistic behaviors can evolve through the lens of genetic relatedness. By considering the genetic implications of behavior, this theory offers a more comprehensive explanation for the diversity of social behaviors observed in the natural world.
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