What is the definition of "fitness" in terms of evolution?
Correct answer: D. The ability of an organism to pass its genes to the next generation
- A. The organism's ability to compete effectively for resources within its species
- B. The organism's success in attracting mates
- C. The organism's overall health and well-being
- D. The ability of an organism to pass its genes to the next generation
Explanation
In evolutionary biology, 'fitness' is defined by an organism's ability to survive and reproduce, thereby ensuring its genetic traits are present in subsequent generations. Option D is correct, as it highlights this definition by emphasizing gene transmission. Option A, while touching on resource competition, fails to address the importance of reproduction. Option B focuses on mate attraction, which is part of fitness, but without successful reproduction, it does not fulfill the evolutionary goal. Option C regards health, which can affect fitness but does not define it unless it leads to reproductive success.
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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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