Originally posted by Blacknad:
1. Instinctive cooperative behavior that is detrimental to the individual but contributes to the survival of the species.
Blacknad.
It's a common misconception, but natural selection and evolution has nothing to do with 'the survival of the species'.
Natural selection and evolution is an entirely passive process. It's worth remembering that of all the species that have ever existed, virtually all of them have become extinct. Only a tiny fraction of species survive. Don't be fooled into thinking that natural selection is a beneficial process!
Altruistic behaviour, that is behaviour which is beneficial to others but has no benefit or is detrimental to the individual displaying the behaviour, can only evolve through natural selection if the individuals which benefit pass on genes which cause the behaviour.
Doug
