23. What is natural selection? 24. What conditions are needed in order for natural selection to occur?

23. Natural selection is a process in which individuals with traits that are advantageous for their environment have a better chance of surviving and reproducing, passing on their traits to the next generation. Over time, these advantageous traits become more common in the population, leading to evolutionary change.<br /><br />24. For natural selection to occur, several conditions must be met:<br /><br />- Variation: There must be variation in traits within a population. This variation can be due to genetic differences or environmental factors.<br />- Heritability: The traits must be heritable, meaning they can be passed on from parents to offspring.<br />- Differential survival and reproduction: Individuals with certain traits must have a better chance of surviving and reproducing than others. This can be due to factors such as predation, competition, or environmental conditions.<br />- Time: Natural selection is a gradual process that occurs over many generations.