OG, Integrated Writting, Altruism

In the passage, the author holds that altruism is a common phenomenon among almost all species. However, the speaker opposes this theory in several aspects.

Firstly, the author of the passage considers that a meerkat stands guard for other meerkats and will alarm them if a predator is present. However, the speaker says that meerkat often eats before guarding, and thus the sentinel meerkat always has a full stomach. The result is that it behaviors much slower. Moreover, the speaker holds that sentinel meerkat is the one that is most likely to escape because it notices predators firstly, which is contrary to what is stated in the passage.

Secondly, according to the speaker, when meerkats look for food, they are under great danger, while sentinel meerkat is relatively safe. From speaker's standpoint, the sentinel meerkat's alarm will either cause other meerkats to gather together or move away, which will call predators' attention. As a result, predators will prey upon meerkats who are looking for food, rather than sentinel meerkat. Nevertheless, the author of the passage writes that sentinel meerkat is the most vulnerable one to predators, which is opposite to the speaker's words.

Thirdly, the speaker also refers to people. In speaker's opinion, people who donate kidneys to strangers may not gain something substantial, but they do achieve something in mental aspect: appreciation of the person who receives donation, approval of society. Moreover, the donators may increase self-worthy, which may be reckoned as valuable mental treasure. Thus, donators do get something as rewards. To the contrary of what the speaker says, the author of the passage believes that donator gains nothing when they give kidneys to others.