This is an interesting concept. I wonder if this connects to adaptability and survival of the fittest? Or are they mostly separate ideas?

This is an important component I've noticed in a few science courses. In particular, for establishing and understanding populations growth, or possibly decline. I would imagine this to be important for conservationists.

I've heard about this term before, I wonder how common this is in the field?

I think this is a great tool and method towards conservation. Being able to identify which are at risk more than others is essential.

while its explained a bit after this sentence, in zoos how is this possible when they have no control over some factors such as the animals they have available and their genetics?

despite this not being the most interesting part to biologists, this reminds of lactose tolerance, and malaria immunity in connection to sickle cell anemia

I wonder how this idea more specifically can be supported given the vastness of time. Yes patterns can be observed, but how did this idea come to materialize as a fact or statement? Were there records?

Interestingly this same exact example was used in Bio 111 today to explain same species ancestor, similar concepts, and natural selection.

Is there an environment where nutrient availability wouldn't be an important factor to plants?

I think it's interesting that despite the experiment seeming to have been ruined, Fleming shifted his study to accommodate the change occurring from the mold which led to the discovery of penicillin. If he had decided otherwise, and scrapped it, it could change the outcome of future medicines.