Which concept describes the evolution of traits that increase the reproductive success of relatives?

Which concept describes the evolution of traits that increase the reproductive success of relatives?

• A. Group selection
• B. Null hypothesis
• C. Kin selection
• D. Inclusive fitness

Answer: (C)

Kin selection explains why natural selection can favor traits that boost the reproductive success of relatives, even at a cost to the individual. Because relatives share copies of many genes, helping a kin member reproduce can increase the spread of those shared genes overall. This idea is often thought of in terms of inclusive fitness, which adds up direct reproduction (your own offspring) and indirect effects (helping relatives reproduce). A classic way to think about when such traits spread is Hamilton’s rule: the relatedness to the relative multiplied by the benefit to them must exceed the cost to the actor (rB > C). For example, individuals that sacrifice personal reproduction to help close kin can still increase their genetic contribution to future generations through those kin. This is what kin selection captures.

Kin selection explains why natural selection can favor traits that boost the reproductive success of relatives, even at a cost to the individual. Because relatives share copies of many genes, helping a kin member reproduce can increase the spread of those shared genes overall. This idea is often thought of in terms of inclusive fitness, which adds up direct reproduction (your own offspring) and indirect effects (helping relatives reproduce). A classic way to think about when such traits spread is Hamilton’s rule: the relatedness to the relative multiplied by the benefit to them must exceed the cost to the actor (rB > C). For example, individuals that sacrifice personal reproduction to help close kin can still increase their genetic contribution to future generations through those kin. This is what kin selection captures.