Interspecies Altruism: Learning from Species on Earth

Abstract

Many examples of altruism exist in the animal kingdom, both within species and between humans and non-human species. What can we learn about interspecies altruism from sentient species on Earth? Is it only social species that display altruism? Marine mammals, and other terrestrial species, have been observed in incredible displays of altruism with humans and non-human species. Some common features of interspecific altruism include complex social structure, potent individuality, and specific behavioral contexts. The competition versus cooperation argument made by evolution has recently gained new discussion points involving empathy, at least for social species. Mirror neurons also provide a potential mechanism for empathy. Altruism is communicated within and between species through a variety of sensory systems and social relationships. Do we share enough in common with certain species to recognize cues of distress, unhappiness, or danger to allow such interaction? For example, dolphins have been observed to help humans, and other dolphin species, in distress. Likewise humans often come to the rescue of dolphins in distress during both natural and human-made events. Although species might be able to recognize intention through real-time communication signals, the challenge of recognizing altruism from distant contact, or in one communication modality, remains. Given the difficulties in interpreting possible radio signal information, is it realistic to try to determine intention in extraterrestrial signals? We will explore all these questions relative to SETI and future potential contact with other beings in the universe.