In: Advanced Math
In this scenario, explain which trait will be favored by natural selection and why. If you think particular numbers do or do not matter, your answer should explain why they do or do not matter (in other words, show your work).
Organisms of species Beta live in family units consisting of a mother and all her children who always share the same father. Sometimes there are 2 children, sometimes 3, sometimes 7, etc. On average, the group consists of 5 individuals. When a predator attacks, there are two possible strategies:
Strategy A is to simply run away. If you do so, the chance of being killed yourself is 5% and the chance of some other member of your group being killed is 80%. There is a 15% chance you will all get away.
Strategy B is to send up an alarm call warning everyone in your group. The chance of being killed yourself is now 10% but there is only a 40% chance of someone else in your group being killed and a 50% chance that you will all get away.
Will natural selection favor strategy A or strategy B?