Humpback whales, on their long migration, sometimes divert from their path to protect other animals. For example, one whale charges a group of orcas attacking a seal, driving them away. Humpbacks are known for such "rescue missions," which raise the question of why they risk their lives for unrelated creatures. This behavior challenges the traditional idea of "survival of the fittest," which focuses on strength.
Modern biology defines fitness as an organism’s ability to pass on its genes, which can involve cooperation as well as competition. Mutualism is an example of cooperation where both animals benefit, such as cleaner wrasse fish eating parasites off other fish. Meerkats also demonstrate cooperation with sentries warning of danger, even at the cost of their own safety, which helps the group survive.
In some cases, animals like Costa Rican vampire bats exhibit reciprocal altruism, where they help others with the expectation of receiving help in return. Despite these examples of cooperation, humpback whales’ protection of unrelated animals may represent true altruism, as the reasons behind their actions remain unclear.
Vocabulary:
• Detour: A route that is different from the usual or planned one.
• Harassing: To repeatedly disturb or attack someone or something.
• Pectoral flukes: The large, flat tail fins of a whale used for movement.
• Mutualism: A relationship between two species where both benefit.
• Parasitic: A relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other.
• Sentries: Guards or watchful protectors, especially in a group.
• Reciprocal altruism: A form of cooperation where one animal helps another with the expectation of future help.
• Fitness: An organism’s ability to survive and reproduce, passing on its genes.
Source: Ted-Ed