Question

Question 79 Not yet answered Marked out of 1.00 P Flag question Evolutionary fitness refers to Select one: O a. size o b. strength O c. potential reproductive success O d. longevity

Answer 1

Answer: Option C. Potential Reproductive Success.
Explanation: An organism or individual can be said as fit in the evolutionary point of view of and only if the individual can contribute its characters including the newly obtained ones (may be through mutation, recombination etc.) to the next generation. This is possible only in those individuals who has a more rate of success of reproduction per mating. Hence, evolutionary fitness is often used as a synonym for reproductive fitness. Only the individuals who can reproduce at a higher rate can contribute to the process of evolution. This reproductive fitness is a net result of the individual's adaptation to the prevailing environmental conditions. That is, if an individual is more adapted to the environment, it will show a higher success rate of reproduction. It is important to note that the reproductive fitness is not governed by the side of the individual, physical strength of the individual and life span of the individual. Hence, option C is the correct answer.
Reproductive fitness is the core of evolutionary fitness. Reproductive success rate is never decided by the side of the individual, strength of the individual and longevity of the individual. Hence, these three attributes has no say in the evolutionary fitness as well. Hence, the options A, B and D are incorrect.