What does kin selection favor?

Kin selection is a evolutionary theory that explains how certain behaviors can evolve based on their effects on genetic relatives. It posits that altruistic behaviors—actions that may reduce an individual's own survival or reproductive success but benefit another individual—can be favored by natural selection when those behaviors are directed towards relatives.

The rationale behind this is that by helping relatives, an individual effectively increases the chances of shared genes being passed on to the next generation. The more closely related two individuals are, the more genes they have in common, which enhances the potential for shared genetic success.

This theory encompasses behaviors such as providing assistance to siblings, offspring, or other relatives, thereby boosting their survival and reproductive success, which indirectly benefits the altruistic individual's genetic fitness. Altruistic acts directed toward kin can be observed in many species, confirming the role of kin selection in shaping behavioral traits.