The best adapted organism has the best chance of survival and passing on their genetic information is described by?

• A. Natural selection
• B. Genetic drift
• C. Mutation
• D. Artificial selection

Answer: (A)

Natural selection is the process by which individuals that are best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their genes to the next generation. Because those advantageous traits boost survival and the number of offspring, they become more common over time, so the population becomes better suited to its surroundings. This is why the best-adapted organisms have the greatest chance of surviving and passing on genetic information.

Genetic drift is random change in gene frequencies and isn’t about being better suited to the environment. Mutation adds new genetic variation, but by itself doesn’t ensure better survival unless that variation is favored by selection. Artificial selection is when humans pick which traits are bred for, not a natural response to the environment.