Reciprocal Altruism
Cooperation between unrelated individuals based on the expectation of future return. Requires repeated interactions, recognition, and memory.
Used in the Books
This term appears in 3 chapters:
"This creates a deadly problem: a bat that fails two nights in a row starves to death. Evolution solved this with reciprocal altruism. Bats that successfully feed regurgitate blood to unsuccessful bats in their roost. The well-fed bat gives up about 5% of its meal, which costs it li..."
"The call isn't altruism; it's communication with the predator: "I see you, give up." Predators learn to avoid detected attempts. 4. Reciprocal altruism and reputation: In species with long-term social relationships, individuals who call when they detect threats build reputations as vigilant, and ot..."
"...selection: Mother trees share with offspring seedlings nearby, increasing kin fitness. Resource sharing is altruism toward genetic relatives. 2. Reciprocal altruism**: Trees in sun today may be shaded tomorrow (canopy gaps close, light shifts). Today's donor may be tomorrow's recipient."
Biological Context
Vampire bats share blood meals with hungry roostmates, expecting reciprocity. Cleaner fish and their clients cooperate repeatedly. Reciprocal altruism is limited to species with the cognitive capacity to track relationships and punish cheaters.
Business Application
Business relationships are often reciprocal altruism: favors exchanged over time. Long-term relationships enable cooperation; short-term or anonymous interactions make reciprocity difficult.