What is the biological definition for survival?

In summary, survival is simply the act of living rather than dying and does not have a specific biological definition. The requirements for survival vary depending on the organism, as too much carbon dioxide can be deadly for humans but necessary for plants. The concept of survival can also be viewed in terms of an individual, a species, or even a single gene, with the effectiveness of a characteristic in promoting the ability to reproduce being known as its survival value.
  • #1
JimmyRay
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What is the biological definition for survival? What does an organism need to survive?
 
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  • #2
Survival is just living rather than dying. There's no special biological definition.

What is needed to live? It depends on the organism. Too much carbon dioxide will kill a human being, but plants need carbon dioxide.
 
  • #4
I suppose you could distinguish between the survival of an individual vs. a species...or even for a single gene. My handy dandy biology dictionary has this to offer...

Survival Value - The nature or degree of the effectiveness of a given characteristic in promoting the organism's ability to contribute offspring to the future generation.
 

1. What is the basic biological definition for survival?

The basic biological definition for survival is the ability of an organism to maintain its physical and physiological functions in order to continue living and reproducing in its environment.

2. How does natural selection play a role in survival?

Natural selection is a key mechanism in the process of survival. It refers to the process by which organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on these traits to their offspring. Over time, these advantageous traits become more prevalent in the population, increasing the chances of survival for future generations.

3. What are the main factors that influence an organism's survival?

The main factors that influence an organism's survival include access to resources such as food, water, and shelter, as well as the ability to adapt to changes in the environment, avoid predators, and successfully reproduce.

4. Can survival be measured objectively?

Yes, survival can be measured objectively by looking at an organism's ability to survive in its environment over a period of time. This can be measured through various metrics such as lifespan, reproductive success, and overall health and fitness.

5. How does an organism's ability to survive impact its species?

An organism's ability to survive is crucial for the survival of its species. The survival of individual organisms ultimately determines the survival of the species as a whole. If a species cannot adapt to changes in its environment or compete for resources, it may become endangered or even extinct.

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