What is the primary focus of natural selection?

Natural selection focuses on the survival and reproduction of individuals that are best suited to their environment. This process is driven by the concept that certain traits or characteristics increase an organism's chances of surviving in a particular habitat, allowing them to reproduce and pass on those advantageous traits to their offspring. Over time, this leads to the prevalence of those beneficial traits within the population, shaping the species in response to environmental pressures.

This concept is central to evolutionary biology and explains how species evolve and adapt over generations. By favoring traits that enhance survival and reproductive success, natural selection ensures that populations evolve to be more suited to their ecological niches. The emphasis is on the individual's ability to thrive in their specific environment, rather than random changes, mating patterns, or general adaptability, which are influenced by a broader range of factors.