1. The Process of Natural Selection

2. Natural Selection
Process in which organisms that are best suited for the environment survive and pass on their beneficial genes
It is the process by which evolution occurs

3. Natural Selection Step 1…
Mutations cause variations / adaptations within a population of organisms.

4. Natural Selection Step 2…
Some variations/adaptations are favorable because they help the organism survive in their unique environment.
The organisms born with these favorable adaptations will survive.
Other organisms who do not have the adaptation may die as a result of disease or starvation, or are killed by predators.

5. Natural Selection Step 3…
These surviving organisms will then reproduce and possibly pass down the favorable adaptation through genes to some of the offspring.

6. Natural Selection Step 4…
Over time more organisms will have the favorable adaptation and, as a result, populations change.

7. Natural Selection
Natural selection is the PROCESS that results in evolution.
It "screens" traits that are available. It doesn’t create new traits.
It favors those characteristics that fit the specific current, local environment.