What does "natural selection" refer to?

Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution and refers to the process by which individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce in their particular environments. This concept, first articulated by Charles Darwin, posits that over time, these advantageous traits become more common within a population, leading to evolutionary changes.

In this context, advantageous traits can include physical characteristics, behavioral patterns, or even physiological adaptations that improve an organism's ability to gather resources, evade predators, or cope with environmental challenges. This selection occurs naturally rather than through human intervention, emphasizing the role of the environment in shaping the survival of species.

The other options do not accurately describe natural selection. Breeding organisms in captivity pertains to artificial selection, where humans selectively breed for specific traits. An environmental change affecting all organisms equally does not account for variations in traits or the differential survival that underpins natural selection. Similarly, the reference to artificial selection involves human choices rather than the natural processes observed in wild populations. This highlights the distinct nature of natural selection as an organic process driven by environmental pressures rather than artificial human influences.