In this episode, we're joined by Dr. García-Ruiz to delve into the fascinating subject of cooperative breeding. Traditionally, the evolution of this practice has been credited to the workings of kin selection. However, Dr. García-Ruiz's pioneering research sheds light on the significance of direct fitness benefits and the relative contributions of different selection mechanisms.

Through their modeling, Dr. García-Ruiz's team uncovers several intriguing insights. They find that direct fitness benefits from grouping primarily drive the evolution of philopatry or remaining in one's birthplace. Furthermore, while kin selection predominantly influences the emergence of alloparental care, group augmentation also emerges as a sufficient motivator in harsh environments.

According to their results, the coevolution of philopatry and alloparental care is subject to positive feedback. Additionally, age-dependent dispersal is triggered by both group benefits and relatedness. Empirical data support these model predictions and open up exciting avenues for comparative analyses and experimental tests of causality.

Join us as we navigate the complex world of cooperative breeding and the fascinating interplay between kin selection, direct fitness benefits, and environmental factors with Dr. García-Ruiz.

Keywords: Dr. García-Ruiz, Cooperative Breeding, Evolution, Kin Selection, Philopatry, Alloparental Care, Group Augmentation, Direct Fitness Benefits.

https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abl7853 The evolution of cooperative breeding by direct and indirect fitness effects