New insights into the classical game theory match-up known as the “Prisoner’s Dilemma” might help explain the presence of generosity in nature, an inclination that can sometimes seem counter to the Darwinian notion of survival of the fittest. Biologists have long been puzzled about why there is so much apparent cooperation, generosity, and altruism, in […]
Researchers from Harvard University and Boston University have observed that in certain populations of bacteria, antibiotic resistant strains will release chemicals to assist weaker bacteria to survive, a finding that provides deep insights into bacterial complexity and antibiotic resistance. Reporting their findings in Nature, the researchers explain that the populations most adept at withstanding doses […]
Demonstrations of altruism and selfless behavior in the animal kingdom have long puzzled evolutionary biologists. Why do some individuals sacrifice their own self-interest to help others? Emily DuVal, a UC Berkeley zoologist, believes that in the case of the tropical bird known as the lance-tailed manakin, it’s because there may be a long-term payoff. During […]
