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Absolutely nothing. If there is a benefit, then by definition, it is not altruism.

So the question would be why do animals do things that would be apparently "altruistic", such as take care of a member of another species, or take care of offspring that are not there own? Technically, I guess you could only answer this on a case by case basis, but one theory is that the animal is only following its instincts, and although that generally results in a biological benefit for the organism, there are always exceptions to the rule.

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13y ago
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11y ago

Some animals of higher cognition such as chimps might have a similar form of empathy as humans. They have mirror neurons as well, and are social animals. Biology would sort of dictate that they be altruistic with members of their group which usually are for the most part extended family.

Other animals such as bats, which don't have that level of intelligence, have evolved altruistic behaviours because it ultimately benefits an entire group. A 'you scracth my back now and I'll scratch yours when you need it' sort of strategy.

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Q: Why a animal might engage in altruistic behavior?
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