You Observe an Example of an Apparently Altruistic Act by an Animal

question 75

Multiple Choice

You observe an example of an apparently altruistic act by an animal that seems to reduce its near-term likelihood of reproductive success. What would be the least plausible explanation for its behavior?

• A) The act aids the reproductive success of individuals sharing a high proportion of genes with the altruistic individual.
• B) The act is only apparently altruistic; over the long term, the behavior actually contributes to individual fitness.
• C) The act increases the inclusive fitness of the animal performing it.
• D) The act is advantageous because it helps the species to survive and reproduce, even if the altruist itself does not.
• E) From the information provided, it is impossible to determine the least plausible explanation.

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Definitions:

Factory Overhead

Factory overhead includes indirect costs incurred during the manufacturing process, such as utilities, depreciation, and salaries for supervisors that cannot be directly traced to specific units of production.

Manufacturing Process

A sequence of operations or steps used to convert raw materials into finished products through physical, chemical, or mechanical means.

Organization's Objectives

The specific goals a company seeks to achieve, guiding its operations and strategy, typically aimed at growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

Finished Goods

This refers to goods that have been completed by the manufacturing process but have not yet been sold to customers.