What is the theory of evolution by natural selection?

The theory of evolution by natural selection posits that organisms that possess traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. This leads to the propagation of those advantageous traits in subsequent generations. The process hinges on the idea that variations occur within species, and those variations can affect an organism's ability to compete for resources, evade predators, and survive various environmental pressures. Over time, this results in the gradual adaptation of species to their surroundings.

This process is not random; instead, it's a systematic selection of traits that confer survival advantages. Individuals with traits that provide a better fit for their environment are favored, while those with less advantageous traits are less likely to thrive and reproduce. This mechanism explains the diversity of life forms we see today and reinforces the idea that evolution is driven by the interaction between organisms and their environments, leading to the complex web of life. In this way, natural selection serves as the driving force of evolutionary change.