Explain how the concept of the “survival of the fittest” relates to the theory of evolution.
1 answer
The concept of the “survival of the fittest” refers to the idea that organisms that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, while those that are less adapted are more likely to die out. This concept, coined by Charles Darwin, relates directly to the theory of evolution, which proposes that species change over time due to natural selection, genetic drift, and other factors, leading to the emergence of new species and the extinction of others. In this sense, the survival of the fittest is a key element of evolution theory as it represents the mechanism by which organisms evolve and adapt to changing environmental conditions. By selecting for traits that increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction, natural selection drives the evolution of populations and species over time. Thus, the concept of the survival of the fittest provides an important framework for understanding how evolution works and why it is such a powerful force in shaping the diversity and complexity of life on Earth.