21. Choose the BEST description of the relationship between survival of the fittest and natural selection?

[Choice A] Organisms with favorable traits will be naturally selected to pass their traits on to the next generation.

[Choice B] Organisms with the lowest gene mutations will be naturally selected to pass their traits on to the next generation.

[Choice C] Organisms with the most recessive genes will be naturally selected to pass their traits on to the next generation.

[Choice D] Organisms living in a stable environment will be naturally selected to pass their traits on to the next generation.

The best description of the relationship between survival of the fittest and natural selection is:

[Choice A] Organisms with favorable traits will be naturally selected to pass their traits on to the next generation.

The BEST description of the relationship between survival of the fittest and natural selection is:

[Choice A] Organisms with favorable traits will be naturally selected to pass their traits on to the next generation.

The best description of the relationship between survival of the fittest and natural selection is Choice A: "Organisms with favorable traits will be naturally selected to pass their traits on to the next generation."

To understand this, let's break it down:

1. Natural selection: Natural selection is the process through which certain organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, while those with less advantageous traits are less likely to do so. This leads to a gradual change in the characteristics of a population over time.

2. Survival of the fittest: Survival of the fittest is a phrase coined by Herbert Spencer, commonly associated with Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. It refers to the idea that the individuals best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce successfully, passing on their advantageous traits to future generations.

When we combine these two concepts, we can understand that natural selection acts on the basis of an organism's fitness, which is determined by how well its traits help it survive and reproduce. Organisms with favorable traits, meaning traits that increase their fitness and adaptability to the environment, have a higher chance of successful reproduction. This, in turn, leads to the transmission of these favorable traits to future generations.

Therefore, Choice A correctly reflects the relationship between survival of the fittest and natural selection.