USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) Practice Exam

By fostering a sense of "brotherhood," the military is enhancing protective behaviors based on evolutionary concepts related to which of the following?

1. Competitive selection

2. Kin selection

3. Natural selection

4. Sexual selection

The correct answer is: Kin selection

The concept of "brotherhood" within a military context aligns closely with kin selection principles found in evolutionary biology. Kin selection is the idea that behaviors that assist the reproductive success of relatives can enhance the survival of shared genes. In a military setting, fostering a sense of brotherhood encourages troops to look out for one another and protect their comrades, akin to how individuals might protect their relatives to ensure their collective survival and, by extension, the survival of common genetic material. This sense of brotherhood can lead to altruistic behaviors where individuals place the well-being of their peers before their own. Such protective behaviors are essential in high-stakes environments like the military, where cohesive teamwork can dramatically impact survival and mission success. By strengthening bonds between individuals, the military creates a supportive network that mirrors the kin selection dynamic, where there's a biological and evolutionary incentive for individuals to protect those who share their genes, enhancing both immediate group survival and long-term reproductive success.