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:

Regression

In psychology, a defense mechanism leading an individual to revert to an earlier stage of development in response to stress or conflict; in statistics, a method to determine the relationship between variables.

Projection

A defense mechanism where individuals attribute their unwanted feelings, impulses, or thoughts onto someone else.

Denial

A defense mechanism in which confrontation with a personal problem or with reality is avoided by denying the existence of the problem or reality.

Displacement

In psychology, displacement is a defense mechanism where a person redirects a negative emotion from its original source to a safer, substitute target.