Which of the following best describes the concept of natural selection?

• A. The random change in allele frequencies in a population over time.
• B. The movement of individuals between populations, leading to genetic variation.
• C. The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
• D. The intentional breeding of organisms to produce desired traits.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key concept being asked about: natural selection.
2. Understand that natural selection is a mechanism of evolution where organisms that are better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully.
3. Differentiate natural selection from other evolutionary concepts such as genetic drift (random changes in allele frequencies), gene flow (movement of individuals between populations), and artificial selection (intentional breeding for desired traits).
4. Recognize that natural selection is not random; it is a process driven by environmental pressures that favor certain traits over others.
5. Conclude that the best description of natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.