Final answer:
Reciprocal altruism is a behavior observed in some animal species, based on the expectation of future favor return. The three criteria for reciprocal altruism are repeated encounters, cheater detection and punishment, and a favorable cost-benefit ratio.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reciprocal altruism is a behavior observed in some animal species where unrelated individuals engage in mutually beneficial acts of helping each other. It is based on the expectation that the favor will be returned in the future. There are three criteria for reciprocal altruism:
- Repeated encounters: Reciprocal altruism requires individuals to have multiple interactions with each other, often within the same social group.
- Cheater detection and punishment: To ensure the stability of reciprocal altruism, individuals must be able to identify and punish cheaters, who do not reciprocate the altruistic behavior.
- Cost-benefit ratio: The benefits gained from helping and being helped must outweigh the costs incurred.