A behavior is considered adaptive if it increases an individual's fitness. How is fitness measured? Select True or False for each statement. T/F strength T/F body size T/F speed T/F number of viable offspring

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of fitness in biological terms: Fitness refers to an individual's genetic contribution to the next generation, often measured by the number of viable offspring that survive to reproduce.
2. Evaluate the statements based on the definition of fitness: Fitness is not directly measured by physical attributes like strength, body size, or speed, but rather by reproductive success.
3. Analyze the first statement - strength: Strength might contribute indirectly to fitness if it helps in survival or reproduction, but it is not a direct measure of fitness. Therefore, the statement is False.
4. Analyze the second statement - body size: Similar to strength, body size might indirectly influence fitness but is not a direct measure of fitness. Thus, the statement is False.
5. Analyze the third and fourth statements - speed and number of viable offspring: Speed, like strength and body size, might indirectly affect fitness but is not a direct measure. The statement is False. The number of viable offspring is a direct measure of fitness, so this statement is True.