27-07-2011, 05:41 AM
Greg Burnham Wrote:Gary Severson Wrote:The 'fittest' referred to here are those animals which are the most suited to their environment, i.e. those which are best fitted to survive.
I agree, but I would further add that the "fittest" animals are those that are the most likely to survive long (and well) enough to procreate and to procreate multiple times, thus extending their genetic lines into the future for generations. Those with the "weakest" genetic traits survive the shortest amount of time and/or do not survive well enough to procreate and/or are unable to provide for the survival of their offspring if they do.
I've heard it said that humans are an exception to "survival of the fittest" since civilization & its economic structures cancels many positive potential circumstances. IOW offspring are born into human structures they have no control over like poverty so even though they may have survivability it is neutralized by extreme negative factors.