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.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? [email protected]
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.
Practise Evolution
814 free Evolution MCQs from Biology, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Biology questions like this
Biology is on 8 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Evolution questions
Which scientist sent his theory to Darwin?
Two species can avoid competition and use the environment's resources in a better manner by occupying different _.
Nictitating membrane is found in the _ and performs _function.
During which of the following levels of biological organization can natural selection occur?
The oldest mineral discovered so far is which of the following, which dates back to 4.4 billion years?
What was the source of hydrogen for the first photosynthetic organisms?