Evolutionary Biology of Social Behavior: Insights from Studies on Cooperative Breeding

Abstract

Cooperative breeding, a social system characterized by all parental care where individuals assist in the rearing of offspring that are not their own, provides a fascinating model system for understanding the evolutionary biology of social behavior. This review examines insights gained from studies on cooperative breeding across various taxa, including birds, mammals, and insects. By investigating the ecological, genetic, and social factors that influence the evolution and maintenance of cooperative breeding systems, researchers have uncovered key mechanisms driving sociality in animals. Furthermore, comparative analyses have revealed convergent evolution of cooperative breeding across phylogenetically diverse groups, highlighting the adaptive significance of this behavior in different ecological contexts. Understanding the evolutionary underpinnings of social behavior in cooperative breeders offers valuable insights into the origins of altruism, kin selection, and cooperation, shedding light on the complexities of social evolution in the animal kingdom.