Which of the following is a characteristic of altruism?

The characteristic of altruism that stands out is providing help without expecting anything in return. Altruism is fundamentally defined by selfless concern for the well-being of others. When an individual acts altruistically, they engage in behavior intended to benefit someone else, often at a personal cost or sacrifice, and do so without the anticipation of receiving any form of reward.

In contrast, seeking personal advantage, valuing competition over collaboration, and a survival of the fittest mentality all emphasize personal gain or competitive strategies that are in direct opposition to the concept of altruism. These alternatives focus on self-interest and the pursuit of advantage, thus failing to embody the essence of altruistic behavior.