[al-troo-iz-uh
m] 
| 1. | the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others (opposed to egoism ). |
| 2. | Animal Behavior. behavior by an animal that may be to its disadvantage but that benefits others of its kind, as a warning cry that reveals the location of the caller to a predator. |
| al·tru·ism (āl'trōō-ĭz'əm) n.
[French altruisme, probably from Italian altrui, someone else, from Latin alter, other; see al-1 in Indo-European roots.] al'tru·ist n., al'tru·is'tic adj., al'tru·is'ti·cal·ly adv. |
altruism (āl'tr -ĭz'əm) Pronunciation Key
Instinctive cooperative behavior that is detrimental or without reproductive benefit to the individual but that contributes to the survival of the group to which the individual belongs. The willingness of a subordinate member of a wolf pack to forgo mating and help care for the dominant pair's pups is an example of altruistic behavior. While the individual may not reproduce, or may reproduce less often, its behavior helps ensure that a close relative does successfully reproduce, thus passing on a large share of the altruistic individual's genetic material. |