9. Organisms with strong survival traits are more likely to pass on the traits in reproduction explains the theory of __________________________________.(1 point)

[Choice A] heredity

[Choice B] selective breeding

[Choice C] natural selection

[Choice D] evolution

[Choice C] natural selection

The correct answer is [Choice C] natural selection.

The theory being explained in this statement is natural selection. Natural selection is a fundamental concept in the theory of evolution, which explains how species change and adapt over time. It states that organisms with traits that are advantageous for their environment and help them survive are more likely to reproduce and pass on those traits to their offspring. This process leads to the gradual accumulation of beneficial traits in a population over generations, which drives the evolution of species. Therefore, the answer is [Choice C] natural selection.