TED-Ed - Why animals help each other - Ashley Ward
The video begins by describing a humpback whale's unexpected detour to rescue a seal from orcas, questioning why animals would risk their lives for others. It challenges the notion of 'survival of the fittest' as purely about strength, explaining that fitness involves passing on genes, which can be achieved through cooperation. Examples include mutualism between cleaner wrasse and fish, meerkat sentries protecting their group, and vampire bats sharing food. These behaviors illustrate how animals can increase their fitness through cooperation, either directly or indirectly. The video concludes by acknowledging that while many cooperative behaviors are reciprocal, some acts, like the humpback's rescue, may be truly altruistic, suggesting that more examples of selflessness might be discovered as research continues.
Key Points:
- Fitness in biology refers to passing on genes, not just physical strength.
- Cooperation in animals can take forms like mutualism, as seen with cleaner wrasse and fish.
- Meerkat sentries protect their group, gaining indirect fitness benefits by helping relatives.
- Vampire bats practice reciprocal altruism by sharing food with roost mates.
- Some animal behaviors, like humpback whale rescues, may be examples of true altruism.