Kin Selection
Kin Selection is a concept in evolutionary biology that explains how certain behaviors can enhance the survival of relatives, even at a cost to the individual. This idea suggests that animals are more likely to help those who share their genes, increasing the chances that their shared genetic material will be passed on to future generations.
For example, a squirrel might warn its family members about an approaching predator, risking its own safety. By doing so, it helps ensure that its relatives survive and reproduce, ultimately benefiting the squirrel's genetic lineage. This behavior illustrates the importance of family ties in the natural world.