What's Your Motivation?

            There are several situations that potentially challenge the idea that all genes, along with their survival machines, are completely selfish. One of these such questions is the tendency for several species of animals to live in associated groups. For example, "Birds flock, insects swarm, fish and whales school, plains-dwelling mammals herd together or hunt in packs."(p.166) Why exactly does this happens? And how does it not contradict the selfish gene theory?

            The answer to this is actually quite simple. The reason that animals tend to "bunch" together, is solely for their own gain. "There is no altruism here, only selfish exploitation by each individual of every other individual."(p.168) Traveling in groups provides more protection than being alone. If they are being hunted, standing in large numbers not only diminishes each individuals chances of being the predators victim, but they also benefit from the mutual protection that being part of group naturally provides. Some animals tend to call out when they sense danger. Although, at first glimpse this might seem like an altruistic action, risking oneself to warn others that they should take cover, be cautious, or flee. However, it actually has a strong selfish connotation. When an animal such as a bird calls out to its fellow group members in the presence of danger it can usually be attributed to three different causes. The 'kin-selection idea', the 'cave' theory, or the 'never break ranks' theory. (p.169) The kin-selection idea mainly refers to the natural tendency that relatives have to protect each other, since many of their genes are similar and each other's survival is beneficial for the continuation of their genes. The cave theory consists of warning others to diminish the possibilities of having ones own chances of survival incriminated. To avoid detection by the predator, an individual can't only hide themselves, the whole group must hide, therefore the best way to do this is to call out to the others. The third theory is the never break ranks theory. According to this theory if an individual flees alone, then it is singling itself out and forfeiting the advantages of being in a group. 

            There are others situations that also appear to have altruistic characteristics. For example, hymenopterans, which are a large order of insects that include bees, wasps, ants, and sawflies, have an interesting reproductive system in place. Under this system one queen produces all future generations, while the worker organisms tend and serve her. However, in reality the reason they do this is because, "if you are a hymenopteran female, the most efficient way for you to propagate your genes is to refrain from breeding yourself, and to make your mother provide you with reproductive sisters and brothers in the ration 3:1." (p.176) Other relationships that might appear altruistic are symbiotic relationships, which is an interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both. Among these relationships is the interaction between Aphids and Ants. Aphids provide the Ants with juice extracted from plants in exchange for protection. Cleaner-fish decontaminate larger fish and in exchange they get a meal. Other animals develop 'mutual back-scratching arrangements'. The objective in these relationships is for fellow group members to groom the places where single individuals might have difficulty reaching, such as the head. If an individual has a tick in this spot the other member can safely remove it. Yet, for the relationship to work effectively the individual who was being groomed first, must then groom the other one and remove any harmful parasites. 

            What all these examples boil down to is the irrefutable fact that no matter how helpful an action might seem it is always driven by a selfish desire. If a school kid shares their lunch with a peer that forgot to bring theirs, it's only because they count on having the favor returned. Individuals don't do favors for others unless they benefit in some way or form. Of course it would be peasant to think that individuals look out for each other and that they do favors just because they want to help. However, that is simply not the case. All action is driven by motivation. Motivation originates in your genes. From a gene point of view passing themselves on is the most important goal, therefore the survival of their respective survival machine is always in their best interest. If they see a way to increase chances of survival then they will always opt for that path. Therefore, developing symbiotic relationships and living in groups is just a selfish way to proliferate the likelihood of survival. "In general, associations of mutual benefit will evolve if each partner can get more out than he puts in."(p.183)