Text 1: Evolutionary biologist Dr. Sarah Wells studies altruism. "Helping relatives transmits shared genes," Wells explains. "Kin selection explains apparently selfless behavior—organisms benefit genetically by aiding those carrying similar genes."

Text 2: Primatologist Dr. David Park documents cooperation between unrelated individuals. "Chimpanzees share food and form coalitions with non-kin," Park reports. "Reciprocal altruism and reputation effects extend cooperation beyond genetic calculations. Social cognition enables complex cooperative strategies."

3
reading

How does Park's research relate to Wells's evolutionary explanation?

A

It refutes kin selection as a biological mechanism

B

It expands the mechanisms explaining cooperation beyond kin selection

C

It argues altruism doesn't exist among animals

D

It focuses on completely different species

Correct Answer: B

Choice B is the correct answer. Park doesn't reject kin selection but adds mechanisms—reciprocity, reputation—that explain cooperation Wells's kin-focused model doesn't cover. Expansion, not replacement.

  1. Evidence: Park: "extend cooperation beyond genetic calculations."
  2. Reasoning: Kin selection is incomplete, not wrong.
  3. Conclusion: Park broadens explanatory mechanisms.

Choice A is incorrect because Park doesn't reject kin selection. Choice C is incorrect because Park documents cooperation. Choice D is incorrect because both discuss evolutionary explanations.