In evolutionary biology, an organism is thought to behave altruistically when its behaviour advantages other organisms, at a price to it self.

In evolutionary biology, an organism is thought to behave altruistically when its behaviour advantages other organisms, at a price to it self.

Biological Altruism

The expenses and advantages are calculated in terms of reproductive fitness, or expected number of offspring. Therefore by behaving altruistically, an organism decreases the range offspring chances are to create it self, but enhances the quantity that other organisms will likely produce. This biological notion of altruism just isn’t identical to the everyday concept. An action would only be called ‘altruistic’ if it was done with the conscious intention of helping another in everyday parlance. But in the biological sense there’s absolutely no requirement that is such. Continue reading “In evolutionary biology, an organism is thought to behave altruistically when its behaviour advantages other organisms, at a price to it self.”