Final answer:
Natural selection is the process in which advantageous traits become more common in a population over time, leading to the evolution of species. It allows organisms to adapt to their environment by ensuring that those with traits that aid in survival and reproduction are more likely to pass on their genes. An example of natural selection is the evolution of the peppered moth, where industrial pollution led to a shift in the population towards darker-colored moths.
Step-by-step explanation:
Natural Selection
Natural selection is the process by which certain traits become more or less common in a population over time. It is one of the main driving forces behind the evolution of species. In natural selection, individuals with traits that are advantageous for their environment have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. These traits will then be passed on to their offspring, gradually becoming more prevalent in the population.
Role in Evolution
Natural selection plays a crucial role in the evolution of species. It leads to the adaptation of organisms to their environment, as individuals with traits that allow them to better survive and reproduce are more likely to pass on those traits to future generations. Over time, this can result in the emergence of new species.
Example
An example of natural selection is the evolution of the peppered moth. In the 19th century, the majority of peppered moths had light-colored wings, which blended well with the light-colored trees they lived on. However, as industrialization led to pollution and darkened the trees with soot, a small number of darker-colored moths had a better chance of surviving and escaping predation. As a result, the population of darker moths increased dramatically over time due to natural selection, as they had a higher chance of survival and reproducing in their darkened environment.
Learn more about Natural selection and its role in the evolution of species