Natural selection changes allele frequencies because some _________ survive and reproduce better than others. a. alleles b. loci c. species d. individuals

Key Concepts

Natural Selection

Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution, where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. This process leads to changes in allele frequencies within a population over generations, as beneficial traits become more common while less advantageous traits diminish.

Allele Frequencies

Allele frequencies refer to how often a particular allele appears in a population's gene pool. Changes in these frequencies can indicate evolutionary processes at work, such as natural selection, where certain alleles confer survival advantages, leading to their increased prevalence in subsequent generations.

Survival and Reproduction

Survival and reproduction are key components of natural selection. Individuals that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive challenges and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to their offspring. This differential survival and reproduction is what drives the evolution of species over time.