Which of the following best describes what makes an organism more fit in the context of natural selection?

• A. Its ability to adapt to any environment instantly
• B. Its intelligence and problem-solving skills
• C. Its physical strength compared to other organisms
• D. Its ability to survive and produce more viable offspring than others in its population

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of 'fitness' in the context of natural selection. Fitness refers to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment, passing on its genes to the next generation.
2. Recognize that fitness is not about instant adaptation, intelligence, or physical strength alone. These traits may contribute to survival, but fitness is ultimately measured by reproductive success.
3. Consider the role of viable offspring. Viable offspring are those that can survive and reproduce themselves, ensuring the continuation of the organism's genetic material.
4. Analyze the relationship between survival and reproduction. An organism that survives but does not reproduce does not contribute to the gene pool of the next generation, and thus is not considered 'fit' in evolutionary terms.
5. Conclude that the best description of fitness in natural selection is an organism's ability to survive and produce more viable offspring than others in its population, as this directly impacts the frequency of its genes in future generations.