Which of the following best describes the process of natural selection in evolution?

• A. Natural selection eliminates all genetic variation within a population.
• B. Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation.
• C. Evolution occurs only when individuals intentionally change their traits to adapt to the environment.
• D. All individuals in a population have an equal chance of surviving and reproducing, regardless of their traits.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of natural selection. Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution where individuals with traits that provide a survival or reproductive advantage are more likely to pass those traits to the next generation. This process leads to changes in the genetic makeup of a population over time.
2. Step 2: Analyze the first statement: 'Natural selection eliminates all genetic variation within a population.' This is incorrect because natural selection works on existing genetic variation, and some variation is always maintained in populations due to factors like mutation, gene flow, and genetic recombination.
3. Step 3: Analyze the second statement: 'Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation.' This is correct because it aligns with the definition of natural selection. Traits that confer an advantage in a specific environment increase in frequency over generations.
4. Step 4: Analyze the third statement: 'Evolution occurs only when individuals intentionally change their traits to adapt to the environment.' This is incorrect because evolution is not intentional. It is a process driven by genetic variation, natural selection, and other mechanisms, not by the conscious actions of individuals.
5. Step 5: Analyze the fourth statement: 'All individuals in a population have an equal chance of surviving and reproducing, regardless of their traits.' This is incorrect because natural selection is based on differential survival and reproduction, meaning individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce than those without such traits.