Define each of the following terms:

natural selection

Key Concepts

Natural Selection

Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution, proposed by Charles Darwin. It describes the process by which individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation. Over time, this leads to the adaptation of species to their environments, as less favorable traits diminish in frequency.

Variation

Variation refers to the differences in traits among individuals within a population. These differences can be due to genetic mutations, environmental factors, or a combination of both. Variation is crucial for natural selection, as it provides the raw material upon which selective pressures act, allowing certain traits to become more common over generations.

Survival of the Fittest

The phrase 'survival of the fittest' encapsulates the idea that individuals best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. 'Fittest' does not necessarily mean the strongest; it refers to the best-suited individuals for a specific environment. This concept emphasizes the role of adaptation in the evolutionary process driven by natural selection.