How long do cheaters stay alive for?

Answer 1

The lifespan of a cheater, in the context of organisms like the "cheater" bacteria or cells that exploit resources without contributing to the communal good, can vary widely based on environmental conditions and competition. In general, cheaters may thrive in specific environments where their advantages outweigh the costs of their behavior, but they can also face rapid declines when conditions change or when competitors adapt. In nature, their survival is often a balance between their immediate benefits and the long-term sustainability of their environment.