A mutation arises in an individual that decreases its fitness.This means that this individual's
A)probability of survival will decrease.
B)ability to find food will decrease.
C)ability to migrate long distances will decrease.
D)contribution to the gene pool of the next generation will decrease.
E)likelihood of having healthy offspring will increasE.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fitness can be defined as an individual's ability to survive and reproduce in a given environment. A mutation that decreases fitness will typically reduce an individual's ability to survive and reproduce, ultimately decreasing the contribution of its genes to the gene pool of the next generation. Therefore, choice D is the best answer. Choices A, B, and C are not necessarily always true in every case of reduced fitness; it depends on the specific mutation and its impact on the individual's traits. Choice E is not true because reduced fitness would likely result in less healthy or viable offspring.

A Mutation Arises in an Individual That Decreases Its Fitness