Which of the following describes natural selection?

Natural selection is best described as the process by which individuals survive and reproduce based on advantageous traits. This concept, formulated by Charles Darwin, highlights how certain traits that confer a survival or reproductive advantage in a given environment become more common in a population over generations. These advantageous traits, often inherited, improve the chances of survival and reproduction for individuals that possess them, allowing those traits to be passed on to future generations.

This process results in the gradual evolution of species as traits that enhance fitness become prevalent. It’s essential to note that natural selection is not a random process; rather, it is based on specific environmental pressures that influence which traits are beneficial at any given time. This concept is fundamental to our understanding of evolution and the diversity of life on Earth.