Final answer:
Biological fitness is falsely thought to be merely about physical performance. It is actually defined by an organism's ability to survive and reproduce, contributing its genetic material to the next generation. The correct measure of fitness is relative to others in the same population and involves various traits contributing to survival and reproduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that fitness, in a biological sense, is a measure of an individual's ability to physically perform well (e.g. escape predation) in a particular habitat is False. Biological fitness, particularly in the context of evolution by natural selection, is defined as the relative ability of an organism to survive and produce fertile offspring. It's not just about physical capabilities, but also includes an individual's ability to pass on their genes to the next generation compared to others in the population. This measure is known as relative fitness and is crucial in determining how traits become more prevalent within a population over time.
What is meant by 'fittest' can vary greatly. Traits that enhance an organism's success can range from the ability to hide effectively from predators to displaying characteristics that are preferred by potential mates. Health and disease also play a role in fitness, as being healthy increases the chances of survival and successful reproduction, contributing to an individual's perceived fitness in their living environment.