Question

What is wrong with the following statement: "An adaptation is a trait whose fitness benefits (B) exceed its costs (C)."

a. It incorrectly assumes that adaptations always have a positive fitness benefit
b. It incorrectly assumes that adaptations always have a positive fitness cost
c. It incorrectly assumes that adaptations have no fitness cost
d. It incorrectly assumes that adaptations have no fitness benefit

Answer 1

The statement incorrectly assumes that adaptations always have a positive fitness cost.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is b. It incorrectly assumes that adaptations always have a positive fitness cost.

An adaptation is a trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its present environment. While adaptations are beneficial for the organism, they may not always come without any costs. Some adaptations may have fitness costs associated with them, such as increased energy expenditure or trade-offs in other traits. Therefore, it is incorrect to assume that all adaptations have only positive fitness benefits and no costs.

For example, a peacock's elaborate tail feathers may attract mates and increase its reproductive success, but it also comes with a cost of increased vulnerability to predators.