The Kin Selection Theory (Hamilton, 1964) says that people are more likely to help relatives, especially those with similar genes. This behaviour improves the chance of passing on shared genes to future generations. However, this theory also has some limitations.

✨ Fun Fact Think of it like a relay race. You'd pass the baton (your genes) to your teammate (a relative) who you think can run faster (have more kids).

There are a few issues with this theory.

• Altruistic behaviour also happens with strangers, not just kin.
• It assumes we can tell who is kin and who isn't.

🌍 Real World Application However, both problems make sense if we look back to when humans lived in small, tight-knit tribes. Everyone around you was probably a relative, so you'd help anyone. Yet, it wasn't all rainbows. Animal studies show competition within the family can actually lead to less help and more fights!

Just as blood is thicker than water, it seems like bonds might be too. Kinship isn't just about genetics - living closely with someone and facing challenges together forms a bond. This concept is called "nurture kinship" and includes situations like adoption.

✨ Fun Fact Imagine being best friends with someone because you both went through the same intense math classes. That’s a form of nurture kinship!