Which of the following best describes a common measure of evolutionary fitness in a population?

• A. The lifespan of an individual regardless of its reproductive success.
• B. The total amount of food an individual consumes during its lifetime.
• C. The physical strength of an individual compared to others in the population.
• D. The number of viable offspring an individual contributes to the next generation.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of evolutionary fitness: Evolutionary fitness refers to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment, passing on its genes to the next generation.
2. Clarify the term 'viable offspring': Viable offspring are those that survive and are capable of reproducing themselves, ensuring the continuation of the genetic lineage.
3. Evaluate the options provided: The lifespan, food consumption, and physical strength of an individual do not directly measure evolutionary fitness unless they contribute to reproductive success.
4. Identify the correct measure: The number of viable offspring an individual contributes to the next generation is the most direct and common measure of evolutionary fitness.
5. Conclude that evolutionary fitness is not about individual traits like strength or lifespan, but about the ability to produce offspring that can also reproduce successfully.