How does natural selection impact the environment?

Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution, where individuals with traits that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. This process leads to changes in the genetic makeup of populations over generations, thereby driving evolutionary changes in species.

When specific traits confer advantages in a given environment—such as better camouflage, enhanced foraging skills, or increased resistance to disease—individuals possessing these traits are more likely to thrive. This gradual adaptation can lead to the emergence of new species, the extinction of others, and overall diversification of life forms. Through this continuous process, natural selection shapes the characteristics of populations, allowing them to better align with the ecological niches they occupy.

This robust mechanism illustrates how species evolve over time in response to environmental pressures, ultimately influencing biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems.