How does natural selection drive evolutionary change?

Natural selection is a key mechanism driving evolutionary change in living organisms. It is the process by which organisms that are best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to future generations.

One of the fundamental principles of natural selection is the concept of "survival of the fittest." Organisms with genetic variations that enhance their ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment are more likely to pass on those traits to their offspring. Over time, this leads to the accumulation of beneficial adaptations within a population, driving evolutionary change.

Through natural selection, species gradually become better suited to their environments, increasing their chances of survival and reproduction. This process not only results in the adaptation of individual organisms but also contributes to the development of new species and the overall biodiversity of life on Earth.

Overall, natural selection plays a fundamental role in shaping the characteristics and diversity of living organisms, driving evolutionary change over generations through the selection of traits that increase an organism's fitness in its environment.