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Microbes can help explain the evolution of host altruism

Author

Listed:
  • Ohad Lewin-Epstein

    (Tel-Aviv University)

  • Ranit Aharonov

    (Tel-Aviv University
    Present address: IBM Research, Haifa 3490002, Israel)

  • Lilach Hadany

    (Tel-Aviv University)

Abstract

The evolution of altruistic behaviour, which is costly to the donor but beneficial for the recipient, is among the most intriguing questions in evolutionary biology. Several theories have been proposed to explain it, including kin selection, group selection and reciprocity. Here we propose that microbes that manipulate their hosts to act altruistically could be favoured by selection, and may play a role in the widespread occurrence of altruism. Using computational models, we find that microbe-induced altruism can explain the evolution of host altruistic behaviour under wider conditions than host-centred theories, including in a fully mixed host population, without repeating interactions or individual recognition. Our results suggest that factors such as antibiotics that kill microbes might negatively affect cooperation in a wide range of organisms.

Suggested Citation

  • Ohad Lewin-Epstein & Ranit Aharonov & Lilach Hadany, 2017. "Microbes can help explain the evolution of host altruism," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-7, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms14040
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14040
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    Cited by:

    1. Li, Bin-Quan & Wu, Zhi-Xi & Guan, Jian-Yue, 2022. "Critical thresholds of benefit distribution in an extended snowdrift game model," Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    2. Denton, Kaleda K. & Ram, Yoav & Feldman, Marcus W., 2022. "Conformity and content-biased cultural transmission in the evolution of altruism," Theoretical Population Biology, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 52-61.

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