Which statement best describes the theory of natural selection?

• A. Organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
• B. Natural selection causes individuals to acquire new traits in response to environmental changes.
• C. All individuals in a population have an equal chance of survival and reproduction.
• D. Evolution occurs because organisms actively adapt to their environment during their lifetime.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of natural selection. Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution where individuals with traits that are advantageous for survival and reproduction in a specific environment are more likely to pass on those traits to the next generation.
2. Step 2: Clarify that natural selection does not cause individuals to acquire new traits during their lifetime. Traits are inherited genetically, and the environment selects for traits that already exist in the population.
3. Step 3: Recognize that not all individuals in a population have an equal chance of survival and reproduction. Those with traits better suited to the environment have a higher likelihood of surviving and reproducing.
4. Step 4: Address the misconception that evolution occurs because organisms actively adapt during their lifetime. Evolution is a gradual process that occurs over generations through changes in allele frequencies within a population.
5. Step 5: Based on the explanation above, identify the correct statement: 'Organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.' This aligns with the principles of natural selection.