Question

1. why is high fitness a function of an organisms environment? construct an explanation using animals from a specific environment, such as polar bears in the arctic, or frogs in a tropical rainforest.

Explanation:

Fitness in evolution refers to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment. Take polar bears in the Arctic: their white fur (camouflage in snow/ice) helps them hunt seals (their main prey). Thick blubber insulates against extreme cold, and large paws aid in swimming and walking on ice. These traits increase their survival and reproductive success (fitness) in the Arctic. If a polar bear had traits suited for a tropical environment (e.g., thin fur), it would struggle to survive/reproduce in the Arctic, showing fitness is environment - dependent.

Answer:

Fitness (survival/reproductive success) depends on an organism’s environment. For polar bears in the Arctic:

• Camouflage: White fur blends with snow/ice, aiding seal - hunting (food acquisition, key for survival/reproduction).
• Thermal Insulation: Thick blubber retains heat in - 30°C to - 50°C temperatures, preventing hypothermia (critical for survival).
• Locomotion Adaptations: Large paws with non - slip pads enable swimming (to reach seals) and walking on fragile ice (reducing fall - in risk).

Traits like these increase survival and reproduction (fitness) in the Arctic. A polar bear with tropical - suited traits (e.g., thin fur) would fail here, proving fitness is environment - driven.