Evolution of Complex Traits and Cooperation
Complexity Can Evolve Gradually
Incremental change
Complex traits can evolve through many small steps if each step provides some benefit or is tolerated by selection and drift.
Cooperation and social evolution
Behaviors that help others can evolve when they also help the genes of the individual, directly or indirectly. This includes kin selection, reciprocity, and mutual benefit.
Social evolution terms
Why cooperation can evolve
A cooperative trait can spread if the benefits to genes, relatives, or future interactions outweigh the costs.
What is kin selection?
Kin selection can favor helping relatives because they share genes.
Correct answer: Helping relatives in ways that can increase shared gene success
How can complex traits evolve gradually?
Evolution does not require a fully formed trait to appear all at once.
Correct answer: Through many small changes where each step is useful, neutral, or tolerable.
Which best describes altruism in biology?
Biological altruism refers to a cost to the actor with a benefit to another individual.
Correct answer: A behavior that reduces the actor's fitness while helping another