Cooperative Breeding Theory

Cooperative Breeding Theory explains how some animals, including humans, share the responsibilities of caring for and raising offspring beyond just the parents. In these species, members of a group work together—helping with tasks like feeding, protecting, or teaching the young—to improve the survival chances of their gene pool. This cooperation can benefit the entire group’s success, especially in environments where raising offspring is difficult alone. The theory highlights how evolutionary pressures can favor social bonds and collective caregiving, leading to complex social behaviors that enhance reproductive success for many members of the community.