In the evolutionary sense, Which organism has the highest fitness?
Correct answer: D. A prairie dog that, though smaller than the average member of her species, has twice as many healthy young in each litter
- A. A sterile mule that can pull Over 800 pounds
- B. A childless human male who lives to be over one hundred years old
- C. A dog who cannot give birth due to a hip abnormality, but is healthy in all other respects
- D. A prairie dog that, though smaller than the average member of her species, has twice as many healthy young in each litter
Explanation
Even though the prairie dog is smaller than the average member of her species, her smaller size does not appear to be a disadvantage in terms of reproduction. In fact, her smaller size may actually give her an advantage, as it may allow her to be more agile and avoid predators. Overall, the prairie dog has the highest fitness in the evolutionary sense because she is able to produce twice as many offspring as other members of her species.
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About Evolution
Evolution describes heritable change in populations over generations through variation, natural selection and adaptation. Lamarckism explains inheritance of acquired characteristics, while Darwinism explains selection of favourable inherited variations; these historical explanations must not be confused with the modern genetic account of evolutionary change.
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