altruistic behaviour

altruistic behaviour

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altruistic behaviour

behaviour which involves an unselfish regard for others. In organisms other than man altruism probably only exists where the benefits to the individual performing the behaviour are greater than those to the individual to whom the particular behaviour is directed, i.e. phenotypic altruism. For example, parental care of the young is clearly of genetic benefit to the individual parent, since it ensures that its genes are transmitted. See also KIN SELECTION.