Information and IdeasMediumMain idea about a phrase's narrower meaning
Information and Ideas practice question
'Survival of the fittest' is usually taken to mean survival of the strongest. Darwin, who borrowed the phrase, meant something narrower: the 'fittest' organism was the one best fitted to its particular surroundings — which might make it the smallest, or the slowest, or simply the best camouflaged.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
- A. The phrase 'survival of the fittest' has a narrower meaning than its popular use suggests.Correct
- B. Darwin coined the phrase 'survival of the fittest'.
- C. The strongest organisms are always the ones that survive.
- D. Camouflage is the most important trait for survival.
Answer: A. The phrase 'survival of the fittest' has a narrower meaning than its popular use suggests.
The text contrasts the popular reading (strongest) with Darwin's (best fitted to surroundings).
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Darwin coined the phrase 'survival of the fittest'.
- The text says Darwin 'borrowed' the phrase.
- C. The strongest organisms are always the ones that survive.
- That is the popular reading the text corrects.
- D. Camouflage is the most important trait for survival.
- Camouflage is one example among several, not ranked above them.
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