What is the process of natural selection?

Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution where individuals with traits that provide a survival or reproductive advantage in their environment are more likely to pass those traits on to the next generation. This process relies on the variation of traits within a population, which can result from genetic mutations. Over time, these advantageous traits become more common in the population, leading to evolutionary changes.

For example, in a challenging environment, such as one with limited resources, individuals that can find food more easily or reproduce more effectively are more likely to survive and have offspring. This natural selection process does not involve human intervention, unlike artificial selection methods used in agriculture or breeding, where humans selectively breed organisms to enhance specific traits.

The provided options illustrate different concepts that do not encapsulate the essence of natural selection. The correct answer highlights the inherent connection between advantageous traits and survival, establishing the foundation of how species evolve.