In a group of meerkats, a male gives a number of alarm calls that in total save the lives of two sisters as well as three offspring of another sibling. But by giving these alarm calls, the male is exposed to risk of attack from predators and eventually is killed by a hawk. As a result of a shortened life, he does not produce three surviving offspring that he otherwise would have had. What was the indirect fitness benefit to the male for his alarm-calling altruism?

A) 0
B) 0.25
C) 1.5
D) 1.75

Question

Karan Hinduja · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : D, Explanation :  The indirect fitness benefit is calculated based on the genetic relationship the male has with the individuals he saved. He shares 50% of his genes with his offspring and 50% with his siblings. The offspring of his sibling would share 25% of their genes with him. Saving two sisters (2 x 0.5 = 1) and three offspring of another sibling (3 x 0.25 = 0.75) totals an indirect fitness benefit of 1.75.

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