Which of the following theories was not presented by Trivers in the early 1970s? theory of reciprocal altruism theory of parental investment theory of gene selection theory of parent-offspring conflict
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The theory that was not presented by Robert Trivers in the early 1970s is the theory of gene selection.
Explanation:
Robert Trivers is widely known for his contributions to evolutionary biology, particularly his work in the 1970s. He formulated several key theories that significantly advanced our understanding of evolutionary processes.
- Theory of Reciprocal Altruism (1971): Trivers proposed that organisms could engage in cooperative behaviors that benefit others, but these behaviors are exchanged in a way that both parties eventually benefit. In this framework, altruistic acts are based on the expectation that the favor will be returned in the future, and the relationship benefits both individuals in the long run.
- Theory of Parental Investment (1972): This theory examines how the amount of investment one parent (usually the mother) makes in the offspring can affect reproductive strategies and behaviors. It predicts that the sex that invests more in offspring (typically females) will be more selective in mate choice, while the less-investing sex (usually males) will compete more intensively for mates.
- Theory of Parent-Offspring Conflict (1974): Trivers also suggested that parents and their offspring may have conflicting interests when it comes to resource allocation. While parents typically invest resources for the benefit of their offspring, offspring may demand more than parents are willing to give, leading to a conflict of interests that affects family dynamics and evolutionary strategies.
However, the theory of gene selection, while closely related to Trivers’ ideas, was not a theory he directly proposed. This theory was more closely associated with William Hamilton, who is best known for his work on kin selection. Gene selection, or inclusive fitness, is an evolutionary concept that explains how genes can spread by benefiting relatives, even at the expense of the individual organism’s reproductive success. While Trivers’ ideas were influential in this area, he did not directly propose the concept of gene selection itself.
