What concept is least relevant to the behavior of female S. beldingi ground squirrels giving alarm calls?

The behavior of female S. beldingi ground squirrels giving alarm calls is intricately tied to the survival and reproductive success of their kin and the social structure within their populations. Alarm calling serves the primary function of warning nearby individuals of potential predators, which can enhance the survival rates of those callers' relatives, thereby increasing inclusive fitness.

In this context, autocommunication, which involves self-directed signaling by an organism, is less relevant. Alarm calls in these squirrels are intended for the benefit of the group rather than serving an individual's needs or intentions. The calls are inherently social, directed towards other squirrels to improve collective vigilance against predators.

While altruism, which describes behavior that benefits another at a cost to oneself, is a significant factor in understanding the dynamics of alarm calling among family members, it focuses on cooperative interactions. Indirect fitness, reflecting the genetic success through relatives benefiting from one's actions, is critical in explaining why these females exhibit such behavior. Evolutionary game theory can also frame the interactions and behaviors in relation to survival strategies and population dynamics.

Thus, the concept of autocommunication is least relevant because the alarm calls are fundamentally about group communication rather than an individual's self-reference or self-protection.