Altruistic behavior __________.

• A. never occurs in natural populations
• B. is expected when the species as a whole benefits from it
• C. occurs only when closely related individuals benefit from it
• D. is expected when there are plentiful resources to share
• E. is expected when it increases the long-term inclusive fitness of the altruists

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of altruistic behavior in biology, which refers to actions by an individual that benefit others at a cost to itself.
2. Recognize that altruistic behavior is often explained by the theory of inclusive fitness, which suggests that individuals can pass on their genes not only through direct reproduction but also by helping relatives (who share their genes) to survive and reproduce.
3. Consider the role of kin selection, a form of natural selection that favors altruistic behavior towards close relatives, as it increases the overall genetic success of the altruist's genes.
4. Evaluate the statement options: Altruistic behavior is not about the abundance of resources or the benefit to the species as a whole, but rather about the genetic relatedness and the inclusive fitness of the altruist.
5. Conclude that altruistic behavior is expected when it increases the long-term inclusive fitness of the altruists, as this aligns with the principles of kin selection and inclusive fitness theory.