Which of the following best describes natural selection?

• A. The movement of genes between populations through migration.
• B. The intentional breeding of organisms by humans to produce desired traits.
• C. The random change in allele frequencies in a population due to chance events.
• D. The process by which individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation.

Answer: (D)

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 provide a survival or reproductive advantage are more likely to pass those traits to the next generation.
2. Step 2: Compare the provided options to the definition of natural selection. Eliminate options that describe other processes, such as gene flow (movement of genes between populations), artificial selection (intentional breeding by humans), or genetic drift (random changes in allele frequencies).
3. Step 3: Focus on the option that aligns with the definition of natural selection. This option should describe how advantageous traits increase an organism's likelihood of survival and reproduction, leading to the inheritance of those traits by offspring.
4. Step 4: Confirm that the correct answer emphasizes the role of advantageous traits in survival and reproduction, which is the core principle of natural selection.
5. Step 5: Reinforce the understanding that natural selection is a non-random process driven by environmental pressures, favoring traits that enhance fitness in a given context.