Fitness

 I would define fitness as the tool utilized to compare multiple organisms in a given population based on their advantageous attributes. Fitness not only allows researchers to determine which traits may be more beneficial for a specific species, but it also allows them to filter out and visualize characteristics that may hinder an organism. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of fitness to researching populations is the ability for scientists to manifest quantitative values to easily visualize unique genotypes and/or phenotypes that better a given organisms chance for survival or reproduction. 

To determine fitness in a given population, significant observation of said population is pertinent to gain accurate results. To measure fitness in a natural population, the tracking of specific genotypes and/or phenotypes is required first in order to conclude which traits provoke an advantage for organisms within this natural population. Once this is accomplished, the relative fitness of each organism may be calculated by dividing this organisms reproductive rate of a genotype/phenotype of interests by the organism's reproductive rate that maintains the apex version of said genotype/phenotype. Replicating this method across a multitude of organisms in a population will manifest quantitate values that can be utilized to compare which traits are more advantageous in the given environment. 

 I will use as an example involving orca pods to show how fitness can be quantified. Orcas are unique creatures as they live in small family groups called pods in which they are maternally led. The unique aspect of orcas however, is that each pod will utilize different hunting techniques to catch their prey so by observing specific phenotypes in a given pod, the relative fitness of each member may be calculated. The pod of orcas used in this example mainly hunt by creating waves to knock resting seals off of floating icebergs. A phenotypical trait that would be incredibly advantageous for an organism within this pod would be a dorsal fin that is both broad and elongated. Therefore, the individual with the largest dorsal fin would have the largest reproductive rate and thus, the maximum fitness for this population. To compare all other organisms to one another based on this specific trait, their own reproductive rates would be divided by the largest reproductive rate to produce quantitate variables that reflect each organisms relative fitness level. 

While this example could be visualized by looking at the orcas dorsal fins and comparing them, there are multiple populations in which this is not possible. This is due to researching targeting unique genotypes that may not be as easily recognizable or comparable in a population. This is why being able to quantify an organism's fitness level is extremely helpful for researchers today!