Natural Selection and Differential Reproduction

Steps:

• Identify the key process: the question describes differential reproduction where better-adapted individuals produce more offspring.
• Recall core evolutionary concepts: this matches Darwin's mechanism of evolution through environmental adaptation.
• Compare options: eliminate unrelated genetic or variation terms.
• Select the precise term: natural selection fits the description of favoring the fittest for reproduction.

Why C is correct:

• Natural selection is defined as the process where organisms best adapted to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully, passing on advantageous traits (Darwin's theory).

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Discontinuous variation refers to distinct trait differences, like blood types, not reproduction.
• B: Gene mutation is a random DNA change causing new variations, not a reproductive process.
• D: Survival of the fittest is a phrase describing the outcome of natural selection, but not the reproductive mechanism itself.

Final answer: C