Which statement best describes environmental selection in natural selection?

Environmental selection in natural selection refers to the process by which certain traits become more or less common in a population due to their impact on the individuals' ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. The correct statement highlights that environmental factors often favor individuals with advantageous traits, enabling them to survive longer and have more offspring compared to those without such traits.

This occurs because organisms with beneficial adaptations are better suited to their environment, which may include factors like predators, climate, food sources, and other ecological dynamics. As these favored individuals reproduce, they pass on their advantageous traits to the next generation, leading to an increase in the prevalence of those traits in the population over time. This process ultimately drives evolution, shaping the species over generations.

In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the mechanism described. For instance, while appearance may play a role in survival, it is not solely about how an organism looks but rather how well it performs in its environment. Increasing genetic variation is typically more associated with mutation and gene flow rather than direct natural selection. Additionally, while competition may be influenced by natural selection, the process does not inherently decrease competition among species; rather, it can lead to adaptations that may increase or alter competition dynamics.