Most apparent acts of altruism in the animal kingdom have proved, on closer inspection, to be not truly altruistic. Instead, they have evolved as a consequence of either or .

After 20 minutes of waiting outside the baggage claim area for your friend to pick you up, you decide to go inside the airport terminal and phone her. standing a short distance from you is a kind-looking older woman. "would you mind watching my luggage so i can go make a quick phone call? " you ask politely. "i'd be happy to watch it for you," she replies, "my ride is not coming for another half-hour." when you return less than five minutes later, the old lady and your luggage (including your laptop) are gone. this example illustrates one of the problems associated with: ethnocentrism. the "feel good, do good" effect.the rule of reciprocity. an implicit personality theory.