AP Psychology Practice Test

What principle does natural selection refer to?

1. Survival of the fittest

2. Genetic modification

3. The dominance of learned behaviors over inherited behaviors

4. The influence of culture on behavior

The correct answer is: Survival of the fittest

Natural selection is best understood as the principle often summarized by the phrase "survival of the fittest." This concept, originally articulated by Charles Darwin, conveys how individuals within a species that possess advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, these traits become more common in the population, leading to evolutionary changes. The essence of natural selection lies in the idea that certain genetic variations enhance an organism's ability to adapt to its environment, leading to better survival rates compared to those lacking such traits. This process drives evolution by favoring traits that contribute to reproductive success, illustrating how populations evolve over generations based on the adaptive value of certain characteristics. The other options each target different aspects of biology or psychology that are not directly related to the process of natural selection. Genetic modification refers to the manipulation of an organism’s genetic material by humans, rather than natural evolutionary processes. The dominance of learned behaviors over inherited behaviors focuses on behaviorism and the nature versus nurture debate, which does not encompass the mechanism of evolution. Lastly, the influence of culture on behavior pertains to social and cultural psychology, rather than biological evolution. Thus, "survival of the fittest" encapsulates the core concept of natural selection effectively.