Summary

This video offers explanations to dissolve some of the myths and misconceptions about evolution, including the meaning of “survival of the fittest” and “natural selection.”

Why watch this video?

• Have you ever wondered what evolution really is?
• Would you like to know how or why certain animals have certain features?
• Have you ever been confused by the different assumptions people make about evolution?

Key terms

Natural Selection: a process in which some organisms are better suited to a certain environment and this makes them better able to survive and reproduce.

Evolution: when organisms are changed into new forms by natural selection.

Genetic Inheritance: the process in which an organism inherents certain traits from their parents. This can include eye color, skin tone, hair color, etc.

Loose ends

The video is not fully clear about how “survival of the fittest” is a myth. The problem has to do with how people use the word “fittest” today. We tend to think of the fittest as being the strongest, fastest, smartest, etc. In the context of evolution, “fittest” means the organism best suited for a particular environment. An organism that is good at hiding could be fitter than a bigger, stronger organism of the same species that stands out from its environment and is easily spotted by predators.

Self-Test Questions