
Fitness
Surviving and reproducing
In this guide you will study a variety of animal behaviors in response to internal and external stimuli as well as the impacts of structures and behaviors on reproductive success.
Video Overview
We will begin with this guide overview video.
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Fitness Lecture Guide Contents
The material from this guide and corresponding lecture is assessed on the weekly quiz.
Fitness Objectives
Innate & Learned
Explain what an innate behavior is and provide specific examples of genetically determined behaviors; and explain what a learned behavior is and provide specific examples of behaviors altered by experiences.
Reproduction
Summarize how sexual reproduction impacts variation; list potential problems associated with successfully reproducing; and describe the relationship of reproduction to fitness.
Sexual Selection
Provide examples of both simple and elaborate animal mating behaviors, and the potential advantages and disadvantages of each; and explain how animals may compete with other member of their sex within their species.
Science Stories
Provide examples of forms and characteristics of science storytelling; and select a form of story that you are most likely to learn from over time.