Which of the following best describes natural selection as proposed by Charles Darwin?

Natural selection, as proposed by Charles Darwin, emphasizes the survival and reproductive success of organisms best suited to their environment. This theory is grounded in the idea that individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive in their specific habitats, ultimately leading to them reproducing more effectively than those without such traits. Over time, these advantageous traits become more common in the population, while less favorable traits may diminish.

This concept is a key mechanism of evolution, illustrating how certain characteristics can be naturally selected over generations, thus shaping the genetic makeup of a population. It explains the adaptability of species and their evolution in response to environmental pressures.

In contrast, other options present ideas that may reflect some aspects of evolutionary thought but do not accurately encapsulate the principle of natural selection. For instance, simply adjusting to changes in the environment does not necessarily imply that these adaptations will be passed on or lead to survival. Similarly, the transmission of acquired characteristics over a lifetime, as suggested in one of the options, contradicts Darwinian principles since natural selection relies on genetic traits rather than those acquired during an organism's lifetime. Lastly, while mutations in genetic material can lead to variation within a population, the theory of natural selection specifically focuses on the survival and reproductive advantages that certain traits confer,