How does altruism impact inclusive fitness?

Altruism is a behavior that benefits others at a cost to oneself, and it can significantly affect inclusive fitness, which refers to the total genetic success of an individual, including both their direct reproduction and the reproduction of their genetic relatives. When an altruistic individual helps a relative or another member of their social group, they are promoting the survival and potential reproduction of those individuals, which in turn enhances the altruist's own genetic contribution to the next generation.

This process is aligned with the concept of kin selection, where altruistic behaviors are favored because they help relatives who share a significant portion of the same genes. For instance, if an individual sacrifices their own chance of survival to save a sibling or close relative, they are potentially ensuring that some of their shared genes continue to be passed on through that relative. Such actions can improve overall inclusive fitness, as the benefits to relatives can offset the costs incurred by the altruistic act.

In contrast, the other possible choices do not accurately reflect the relationship between altruism and inclusive fitness. The notion that altruism decreases inclusive fitness is inconsistent with the biological understanding that it can actually enhance genetic success through indirect means. The idea that altruism has no effect on inclusive fitness overlooks the significant implications altruistic behavior has