Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution. Organisms that are more adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and pass on the genes that aided their success
to the next generation. On the other hand, organisms that are less adapted to their environment are less likely to survive and reproduce.
The process of natural selection occurs through several steps. First, there is variation within a population. This variation can be in traits such as size, color, or behavior, and it is typically a result of genetic mutations.
Second, the environment imposes selective pressures on the population. These pressures can include availability of resources, predation, competition, or changes in climate. Some individuals in the population may be better suited to their environment due to their specific traits, giving them a higher chance of survival.
Third, individuals with favorable traits have a higher chance of surviving to reproductive age and successfully reproducing. As a result, the genes responsible for these advantageous traits are more likely to be passed on to future generations.
Over time, the population undergoes gradual changes as advantageous traits become more common while unfavorable traits become less common. This process can lead to the emergence of new species or the extinction of existing ones.
It's important to note that natural selection does not actively strive for progress or improvement. It simply favors traits that increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction in a particular environment. Therefore, adaptations that are beneficial in one environment may not be advantageous in another.
Overall, natural selection is a fundamental mechanism that drives the process of evolution by selecting and promoting traits that enhance an organism's survival and reproductive success in a given environment.