Question

how does fitness vary across different environments according to darwins survival of the fittest? fitness increases as the environment becomes more hostile. fitness is universal and does not depend on the environment. fitness is specific to the environment and can change if the environment changes.

Explanation:

Darwin's "survival of the fittest" refers to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment. Fitness is not a fixed trait but is relative to the environment. Different environments have different selective pressures. For example, in a cold environment, thick fur might be a trait that increases an organism's fitness (ability to survive and reproduce), while in a hot environment, thin fur might be more beneficial. If the environment changes (e.g., due to climate change, introduction of new predators or competitors), the traits that confer fitness can also change.

Answer:

Fitness is specific to the environment and can change if the environment changes.