What is natural selection?

Natural selection is one of the fundamental mechanisms of the process of evolution. There are 4 key things to remember about the process of natural selection.1) There is genetic variation within a population and certain genes will give rise to characteristics of the gene carrying organism to be more suited to the environment. 2) Members of the population reproduce at random and to excess producing more offspring than can survive the environment.3) The parents pass on their genetic material to their offspring.4) The offspring who inherit genes that are more suited to the environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, those who do not are less likely to survive/reproduce.Thus the corresponding allele or gene frequency of advantageous phenotypes (visible/tangible characteristics of organism) will increase within a population. Therefore certain genes are naturally selected.

EE
Answered by Eva E. Biology tutor

3657 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why haemoglobin in Sickle Cell Anaemia is less effective at carrying oxygen.


What are oncogenes and how do they relate to tumor formation?


What are the different types of immunity?


What is ATP? Explain its structure, synthesis and function.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning