What is the process of natural selection?

Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution that describes how certain traits become more common in a population over time. The correct choice outlines this process accurately. It emphasizes that organisms which possess advantageous traits or adaptations—traits that enhance their ability to survive and reproduce in their specific environment—are more likely to thrive and produce offspring.

This means that over generations, these favorable traits are passed on to future generations, leading to a population that is better suited to its environment. This process is not random; rather, it is based on the ability of organisms to adapt to changing conditions or competition for resources.

The other options do not capture the essence of natural selection. The first option describes selective breeding by humans, which is a different process. The second option mistakenly suggests that less-adapted organisms survive, which contradicts the core principle of natural selection. The last option refers to random mutations, which are a source of genetic variation but are not the same as the selective process that determines which traits become prevalent in a population through survival and reproductive success.