IreneGR92/Group-augmentation-Cpp: Release

Code for the article entitled: "Direct fitness benefits are a prerequisite for the evolution of cooperative breeding"

The evolution of cooperative breeding has been traditionally attributed to the effect of kin selection. While there is increasing empirical evidence that direct fitness benefits are relevant, the relative importance of alternative selection mechanisms is largely obscure. Here, we model the coevolution of the cornerstones of cooperative breeding, delayed dispersal and alloparental care, across different ecological scenarios, enabling philopatry and helping levels to adjust to social context. Results show that (1) direct fitness benefits from grouping are essential and sufficient to explain the evolution of both philopatry and helping; (2) kin selection is not vital for the evolution of cooperative breeding but can enhance helping levels; (3) the coevolution of philopatry and alloparental care is subject to positive feedback; (4) age-dependent dispersal is triggered by both group benefits and relatedness. Model predictions are supported by empirical data and provide novel opportunities for comparative analyses and experimental tests of causality.