Question

which best describes how survival of the fittest relates to natural selection?
a. organisms with the lowest gene mutations will be naturally selected to pass their traits on to the next generation.
b. organisms with the most recessive genes will be naturally selected to pass their traits on to the next generation.
c. organisms with favorable traits will be naturally selected to pass their traits on to the next generation.
d. organisms living in a stable environment will be naturally selected to pass their traits on to the next generation.

Explanation:

Natural selection is the process by which organisms with favorable traits (traits that help them survive and reproduce in their environment) are more likely to pass those traits to the next generation. "Survival of the fittest" refers to these organisms being better adapted (having favorable traits) to their environment. Gene mutations (Option A) can be random and not always related to being "fit" in terms of natural selection. Recessive genes (Option B) don't inherently make an organism more likely to be selected - it's about the trait's advantage. An organism's environment (Option D) being stable doesn't directly mean it has favorable traits; it's the traits themselves that matter.

Answer:

C. Organisms with favorable traits will be naturally selected to pass their traits on to the next generation.