What term describes a breeding strategy where organisms work together to ensure all benefit?

Study for the NCEA Level 3 Biology – Plant and Animal Responses (AS91602) Test. Prepare with structured flashcards and detailed multiple-choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations to help you succeed. Get exam-ready today!

Co-operative breeding refers to a reproductive strategy where individuals, often from the same social group or family, work together to rear offspring. In this scenario, multiple adults contribute to the care and nurturing of the young, which can enhance the survival rates of the offspring. This collaborative effort allows shared resources and time, making it more efficient than solitary breeding.

By participating in co-operative breeding, individuals can also increase their inclusive fitness, as they are often related to the offspring being raised, thus ensuring the continuation of shared genes. This strategy is particularly observed in species like some birds, where non-breeding individuals assist in caring for the young of others.

The other options, while related to social interactions and relationships among organisms, describe different phenomena. Kin selection focuses specifically on the evolutionary strategy where individuals act in ways that favor the reproductive success of their relatives. Parental care refers to the actions taken by a parent to ensure the survival and development of their own offspring. Social learning involves acquiring behaviors from observing others, which can benefit individuals but does not inherently focus on breeding strategies or collaboration for the benefit of offspring.

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