In evolutionary biology, what is another name for natural selection?

• A. Genetic drift
• B. Survival of the fittest
• C. Founder effect
• D. Artificial selection

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that natural selection is a key mechanism of evolution where individuals with traits better suited to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully.
2. Recognize that 'Survival of the fittest' is a phrase often used to describe natural selection, emphasizing that the 'fittest' individuals are those best adapted to their environment.
3. Differentiate natural selection from other evolutionary concepts such as genetic drift (random changes in allele frequencies), founder effect (a type of genetic drift occurring when a new population is established by a small number of individuals), and artificial selection (human-directed breeding).
4. Conclude that the phrase 'Survival of the fittest' is another name or a common way to describe natural selection in evolutionary biology.
5. Remember that this phrase highlights the process by which advantageous traits become more common in a population over generations due to differential survival and reproduction.