Altruism (biology)
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In biology, altruism is behaviour by an individual that increases the fitness of another individual while decreasing their own. Altruism in this sense differs from the philosophical concept of altruis
An olive baboon allogrooming a younger one
Cooperative hunting by wolves allows them to tackle much larger and more nutritious prey than any individual wolf could handle. However, such cooperation could, potentially, be exploited by selfish individuals who do not expose themselves to the dangers of the hunt, but nevertheless share in the spoils.
A male peacock with its beautiful but clumsy, aerodynamically unsound tail—a handicap, comparable to a race horse's handicap.
The best horses in a handicap race carry the largest weights, so the size of the handicap is a measure of the animal's quality
Altruism
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Altruism is concern for the well-being, the life, of others independently of personal benefit or reciprocity.
Giving alms to the poor is often considered an altruistic action.
An old Homo erectus who survived for years without teeth probably through its group sharing their food is regarded as an early example of altruism
Giving alms to beggar children
Volunteers assist Hurricane victims at the Houston Astrodome, following Hurricane Katrina.