Why do meerkats cooperate?
Social evolution theory would suggest that meerkat cooperation may largely be down to high levels of genetic relatedness: by helping to raise the offspring of relatives, individuals indirectly transmit copies of their own genes. In meerkats, however, this is not a complete explanation, because unrelated immigrants may help just as much as other group members. Research suggests that, in the harsh environment in which meerkats live, belonging to a group — the larger the better — is absolutely vital. Without sentries, meerkats cannot feed safely; without helpers, they cannot breed successfully; without strength in numbers, they cannot hold territory. Through cooperation, individuals can increase the size and success of their group, and in so doing, improve their own individual prospects for survival and reproduction.Display large version of this figure Display high quality version of this figure View a PowerPoint of this figureFigure 1. Meerkats on the lookout.Do all meerkats help equally
