What essential process does natural selection drive?

Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution that leads to the gradual change in the heritable characteristics of a population over time. It occurs when individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce in their specific environment, passing those advantageous traits to their offspring. This results in the adaptation of species as they evolve to better suit their surroundings and challenges.

The process of natural selection influences the genetic makeup of populations, allowing some traits to become more common while others may diminish or disappear entirely. Over time, this can lead to the development of new species as populations diverge and accumulate changes. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the essential role of natural selection in driving the evolution of species over generations.