Selfishness and Altruism in Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior - Lecture 36

Explore the evolution of altruism and self-sacrifice in this 31-minute lecture from Yale University's "Principles of Evolution, Ecology and Behavior" course. Delve into how these seemingly incompatible behaviors align with natural selection through concepts like kin selection and ecological constraints. Examine group selection, reciprocal altruism, and the role of punishments in shaping cooperative behaviors. Gain insights into how individuals balance self-interest with group contributions, and understand the genetic and ecological factors influencing altruistic behaviors in nature. This comprehensive overview challenges traditional views on selfishness in evolution, offering a nuanced perspective on the interplay between individual fitness and group dynamics.