Kin selection

Helping relatives can indirectly spread shared genes. This topic is part of Evolution within Science & Nature. This page currently draws on 6 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.

Play Kin selection Trivia

Kin selection trivia questions

Kin selection helps explain behaviors that benefit whom?

Answer: Genetic relatives

Bonus fact: Helping relatives can indirectly spread shared genes.

Which concept is closely linked to kin selection?

Answer: Inclusive fitness

Bonus fact: Inclusive fitness counts effects on relatives as well as direct reproduction.

Which biologist formalized a rule for when altruism toward relatives can evolve?

Answer: W. D. Hamilton

Bonus fact: Hamilton's rule compares relatedness, benefit, and cost.

Which equation is associated with W. D. Hamilton's kin-selection theory?

Answer: rB > C

Bonus fact: Hamilton's rule compares relatedness, benefit, and cost.

Which evolutionary idea is closely associated with inclusive fitness?

Answer: Kin selection

Bonus fact: The concepts help explain altruism among relatives.

What evolutionary concept can help explain cooperative breeding among relatives?

Answer: Kin selection

Bonus fact: Helping relatives can increase inclusive fitness.

Explore more Science & Nature trivia