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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes a common measure of evolutionary fitness in a population?
A
The total amount of food an individual consumes during its lifetime.
B
The physical strength of an individual compared to others in the population.
C
The number of viable offspring an individual contributes to the next generation.
D
The lifespan of an individual regardless of its reproductive success.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of evolutionary fitness. Evolutionary fitness refers to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment, thereby passing on its genes to the next generation.
Step 2: Evaluate each option provided in the problem. Consider whether each option aligns with the definition of evolutionary fitness, which focuses on reproductive success rather than other factors like food consumption or physical strength.
Step 3: Analyze the first option: 'The total amount of food an individual consumes during its lifetime.' While food consumption is important for survival, it does not directly measure reproductive success, so this option does not describe evolutionary fitness.
Step 4: Analyze the second option: 'The physical strength of an individual compared to others in the population.' Physical strength may contribute to survival or mating success, but it is not a direct measure of evolutionary fitness unless it results in viable offspring.
Step 5: Analyze the third option: 'The number of viable offspring an individual contributes to the next generation.' This directly measures reproductive success and aligns with the definition of evolutionary fitness. The fourth option, 'The lifespan of an individual regardless of its reproductive success,' does not account for the production of offspring, so it is not a measure of evolutionary fitness.