Natural selection is based on four main principles: variation, overproduction, adaptation, and descent with modification. Briefly explain how each of these principles is necessary for the process of natural selection to occur.

Question

simple sentence

Answer 1

Natural selection relies on the following principles:

1. Variation: Individuals in a population exhibit differences in traits, which provide the raw material for natural selection.
2. Overproduction: Most species produce more offspring than can survive, leading to competition for resources.
3. Adaptation: Some traits enhance survival and reproduction in a given environment, increasing the likelihood of passing those traits to the next generation.
4. Descent with modification: Over time, advantageous traits become more common in the population, gradually leading to changes in the species.

All four principles work together to drive the evolution of species through natural selection.