Which of the following describes the concept of selection in evolutionary terms?

The concept of selection in evolutionary terms is best described as a non-random process favoring certain traits. This is because natural selection operates based on the differential survival and reproduction of individuals due to variations in their traits. Individuals with traits that provide advantages in a given environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, thereby passing those advantageous traits on to future generations.

This mechanism is central to the theory of evolution because it explains how populations can change over time; favorable traits become more common while unfavorable traits may diminish. Selection acts systematically rather than randomly, as it is driven by environmental pressures and the ability of organisms to adapt to those pressures. For example, in a changing environment, traits that enhance survival in that specific context will be preferentially selected.

In contrast to the correct choice, random processes do not favor specific traits and do not lead to systematic changes in populations over generations. Similarly, the idea that all traits are preserved equally contradicts the very nature of selection, which emphasizes the unequal survival probabilities of different traits. The notion that selection only occurs in stable environments overlooks the fact that selection can occur in both stable and changing environments, as organisms continuously adapt to various challenges.