What is the Difference Between Reciprocal Altruism and Kin Selection?

The main difference between reciprocal altruism and kin selection lies in the relationships between the individuals involved in the altruistic behavior.

Reciprocal Altruism:

Occurs between two unrelated individuals.
Involves indirect increments to inclusive fitness.
One individual makes sacrifices for another unrelated individual with the promise of future aid.
Developed by Robert Trivers.

Kin Selection:

Occurs between closely related organisms.
An evolutionary strategy that favors the reproductive success of relatives.
One individual makes sacrifices for relatives/closely related organisms without the promise of a direct return.
Involves indirect increments to inclusive fitness.
Coined by William H. Hamilton.

While both reciprocal altruism and kin selection are types of altruism that temporarily reduce the fitness of the organism performing the action, reciprocal altruism is characterized by an exchange of aid between unrelated individuals, whereas kin selection involves family members helping one another.

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What is the Difference Between Reciprocal Altruism and Kin Selection?

Comparative Table: Reciprocal Altruism vs Kin Selection

Here is a table comparing the differences between reciprocal altruism and kin selection:

Feature	Reciprocal Altruism	Kin Selection
Definition	Reciprocal altruism is the altruism that occurs between two unrelated individuals.	Kin selection is an evolutionary strategy that favors the reproductive success of relatives.
Basis	Occurs with the promise of future aid.	Based on the concept of inclusive fitness, which includes individual survival, reproduction, and any impact that an individual's behavior has on the survival and reproduction of relatives.
Relationship	No need for two individuals to be relatives.	Involves closely related organisms.
Mechanism	Increases the fitness of other individuals at the expense of the individual performing the action.	An animal engages in self-sacrificial behavior that benefits the genetic fitness of its relatives.

In summary, reciprocal altruism involves unrelated individuals engaging in cooperative behavior with the expectation of future benefits, while kin selection focuses on the reproductive success of closely related organisms through altruistic behavior.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.