Altruism is a type of behavior in which an animal sacrifices its own interest for that of another animal or group of animals. Altruism is the opposite of selfishness; individuals performing altruistic acts gain nothing for themselves.Examples of altruism

The reading states altruism, one type of behavior in which an animal or group of animals sacrifices its own interest for others. Meerkats is a popular example among the researchers being discussed here. The professor refutes each of the author's point by giving some explanation.

The reading claims that meerkats are the good example of altruism in eating habits. An individual acts as a sentinel, standing guard and looking out for predators while the others hunt for food or eat food they have obtained. The professor refutes this point by saying that now the researchers are doing more close observation and they found out that sentinel guard the group with a full stomach. He eats well before stand as a guard.

Second, the article posits that meerkat as a sentinel gives an alarm cry alerting the other meerkats to run and seek shelter. By giving alarm, he puts himself in danger and protects others. According to the professor, sentinel is the most safe meerkat in that case. When he knows the danger is approaching he gives the alarm and hides in the barrow quickly. The scattered meerkats for food, they are in more danger because they are away from barrow and alarm cause to gather them or move from each other.

Third, the article claims that humans are very altruistic when they donate organs to somebody. The professor opposes this point by saying if human donates an organ suppose a kidney , he gets an appreciation and sometimes a reward for donation from relatives or from a stranger. So as per the lecture every animal tries to work for his own good.