18. Adaptations that result from natural selection are expected to increase the fitness of an organism. In terms of natural selection, which of the following best describes fitness? Being among the strongest organisms in a popul Being able to survive long enough to reach the a Being able to escape from predators Being able to survive find a mate, and produce

## Step 1<br />The concept of fitness in the context of natural selection is not about physical strength or the ability to escape from predators. Rather, it is about the ability of an organism to survive, find a mate, and produce offspring. This is because the ultimate goal of natural selection is to ensure the continuation of a species.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The ability to survive long enough to reach adulthood is a part of fitness, but it is not the complete definition. Survival is important, but it is not enough if the organism cannot reproduce.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The ability to escape from predators is also a part of fitness, but again, it is not the complete definition. While escaping from predators can increase an organism's survival rate, it does not necessarily mean that the organism will be able to reproduce.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The ability to survive, find a mate, and produce offspring is the most comprehensive definition of fitness in the context of natural selection. This is because it includes all the necessary steps for an organism to pass on its genes to the next generation.