What relationship does altruism describe in ecology?

Altruism in ecology refers to behaviors exhibited by individuals that benefit other members of the same species or social group, often at a personal cost to the individual performing the behavior. This concept is important in understanding social interactions and evolutionary strategies within animal populations.

In many instances, altruistic behavior can lead to increased survival or reproductive success for those receiving the assistance, reinforcing social bonds or improving the overall fitness of the group. For example, when an animal alerts others to the presence of a predator, it may draw attention to itself and increase its risk of being hunted, demonstrating a selfless act aimed at protecting others.

This definition distinguishes altruism from other types of relationships; mutual benefits involve a scenario where both parties gain without personal sacrifice, while self-serving behaviors focus on individual advantage. Competitive behaviors also diverge from altruism as they typically involve direct conflict over resources rather than acts of selflessness that support the group.