Evolution improves the fitness of the population, which is evolutionarily defined as ____.
A) the number of copies of one's genes that endure in later generations
B) survival of the individual
C) ability to adapt to a variety of environments
D) overall health and well-being

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Evolution is driven by the passing on of genes from one generation to the next. Fitness, in an evolutionary context, refers to an individual's ability to pass on their genes. Therefore, the correct answer is A, which describes the number of copies of one's genes that endure in later generations. Survival of the individual, ability to adapt to a variety of environments, and overall health and well-being may all contribute to an individual's fitness, but they are not the primary evolutionary definitions of fitness.

Evolution Improves the Fitness of the Population, Which Is Evolutionarily