Final answer:
The false statement is that fittest animals are the strongest and fastest by definition, as fitness in evolutionary biology relates to an organism's overall ability to survive and reproduce, regardless of strength or speed. Option a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that is false is:
a) By definition, the fittest animals are the strongest and fastest.
This statement is incorrect because evolutionary fitness relates to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce, not just physical strength or speed. Fitness encapsulates a variety of traits, such as behavior, camouflage, reproductive strategies, as well as strength and speed.
A classic example of this would be the peacock's tail; it does not aid in escaping predators or foraging for food, yet it is vital for attracting mates and thus, for reproduction.
Additionally, the fittest animals are not always the most dominant individuals in their environment, as different environments and situations may favor different traits. The process of natural selection ensures the proliferation of traits that increase the chances of survival and reproduction. Option a.