I was referring to units which are not self-replicating, and need the entire colony to thrive in order for their particular genetic complement to endure.

Certainly there are social conventions and communications among self-replicating units which promote their individual welfare. Indeed, it was the loners in the Donner Party who died, the families and groups did OK. There are layers of organization within layers of organization and any paritcular individual can be a part of many "organisms" which make life easier and may even promote their ability to pass on genes. However, if the Mayor and City Council of a small town are wiped out and XYZ corporation goes bankrupt, city residents and employees can still pass on their genes to another generation.

Knowing that, I think those surviving people value their individual lives far more highly than an ant or bee, whose only chance at genetic transmission is if the queen and her consorts are kept alive.

And I'm aware there are exceptional circumstances where someone will willingly, even eagerly lay down their life to keep the Mayor and City Council alive.

Arf