Humber Admissions Practice Test

Which of the following best captures the concept of evolutionary fitness?

1. Successful reproduction and passing on of traits

2. Physical strength and endurance in species

3. The ability to adapt to any environmental change

4. Dominance in social structures

The correct answer is: Successful reproduction and passing on of traits

The concept of evolutionary fitness is best captured by the idea of successful reproduction and passing on of traits. In the context of evolution, fitness does not merely refer to an individual's physical characteristics or abilities but rather to the effectiveness with which an organism can reproduce and contribute its genetic material to the next generation. Organisms that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive long enough to reproduce, thereby ensuring that their favorable traits are passed on. This reproductive success leads to the propagation of advantageous traits within a population over generations. The other options, while they may describe aspects of an organism's capabilities or social interactions, do not encapsulate the broader and more specific notion of evolutionary fitness. Physical strength and endurance can be advantageous, but they aren't definitive criteria for fitness, as many organisms successfully reproduce without those traits. Similarly, the ability to adapt to environmental changes is important but is part of the broader strategy of survival and reproduction rather than the direct measure of fitness itself. Lastly, dominance in social structures may influence access to resources or mates, but it does not inherently guarantee successful reproduction or the passing on of traits. Thus, the essence of evolutionary fitness fundamentally lies in the successful reproduction and the transmission of beneficial traits to future generations.