What is natural selection?

Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism in the theory of evolution, where the phrase "better adapted to their environment" plays a crucial role. This process describes how certain traits become more common in a population because they provide some advantage in the context of survival and reproduction.

When organisms possess characteristics that are beneficial for their survival in a particular environment, they are more likely to thrive compared to those with less advantageous traits. This leads to a higher likelihood of those organisms reproducing, thus passing on their favorable traits to the next generation. Over time, this can lead to significant changes in the population, as advantageous traits become more prevalent.

Understanding this concept is vital because it illustrates how species evolve and adapt over time due to selective pressures in their environment, such as predators, climate changes, or available resources. This principle of natural selection underpins the diversity of life observed today, making it a cornerstone of biological science.