Final answer:
Natural selection affects populations, occurs when there is genetic variation, and selects organisms with certain traits to survive.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of natural selection are as follows:
- It affects populations: Natural selection acts on a population level by favoring certain traits and influencing the allele frequencies in a population.
- It occurs when there is genetic variation: Genetic variation is necessary for natural selection to occur because it provides the raw material for adaptation.
- It selects organisms with certain traits to survive: Natural selection favors individuals with traits that provide an advantage for survival and reproduction, increasing their likelihood to pass on those traits to future generations.