Question

question 10 of 19
natural selection is the primary process responsible for adaptive evolution.
which phrase describes natural selection?
○ the environment causes new mutations once those mutations are necessary for survival.
○ individuals with adaptive inherited traits are more likely to survive and produce offspring.
○ individuals with particular phenotypes randomly survive and reproduce more than others.
○ random genetic mutations can change the phenotypes of individuals in a population.

Explanation:

Natural selection refers to the process where organisms with heritable traits that enhance survival and reproduction in their environment are more likely to pass these traits to the next generation. The correct option directly describes this core mechanism, distinguishing it from incorrect options (e.g., mutations are random, not caused by environmental need; survival is non-random based on traits, not chance).

Answer:

Individuals with adaptive inherited traits are more likely to survive and produce offspring.