gen-define-natural-selection-and-give-one-short-worked-example-8143

Define natural selection and give one short worked example.

# Natural Selection **Natural selection** is the process by which organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass those advantageous traits to offspring. Over generations, this causes populations to evolve as beneficial traits become more common. ## Short Example: Peppered Moths **Before Industrial Revolution (1800s England):** - Most peppered moths were light-colored, camouflaging against light-colored tree bark - Dark moths were rare and easily spotted by birds **During Industrial Revolution:** - Pollution darkened tree bark with soot - Light moths now stood out and were eaten more often - Dark moths were better camouflaged and survived longer **Result:** - Dark moths reproduced more successfully - Within 50 years, dark moths became the dominant form (~98% of population) - This demonstrated natural selection in real-time: the environment changed, giving dark coloration a survival advantage