What is the principle behind natural selection?

Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution, originally formulated by Charles Darwin. The principle behind it is that organisms that possess traits better suited for their environment tend to survive longer and reproduce more than those with less advantageous traits. This process leads to the gradual accumulation of beneficial adaptations in a population over time.

In essence, the option that states "survival and reproduction of organisms better adapted to their environment" captures the essence of natural selection. It emphasizes that it is not merely about surviving the competition or being the strongest; rather, it is about having specific traits that enhance an organism's ability to thrive in its particular habitat.

This principle is essential for understanding how species evolve and the development of biodiversity. Those organisms that effectively utilize resources, evade predators, and reproduce successfully will pass their beneficial traits on to the next generation, thereby shaping the evolutionary path of their species.