AP Biology : Natural Selection

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #16 : Understanding Biological Fitness

The best definition of natural selection is _________.

Possible Answers:

preservation of traits that lead to increased survival and reproduction

survival of the fittest

those who eat better, are healthier, and live longer are the most fit within a population

the most fit individuals adapt to their environment better than less fit individuals

Correct answer:

preservation of traits that lead to increased survival and reproduction

Explanation:

While natural selection is often described as "survival of the fittest," this explanation is not completely accurate. It paints the picture that the most fit individual lives the longest, when the real premise is that the individual with the most benefical combination of genes suited to the current environment reproduces more, thus passing on more genetic information to the next generation.

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