Explain the process of natural selection.

Mutation, meiosis and sexual reproduction causes variation amoung members of the same species. Species tend to produce more offspring than the environment can support leading to competition for food or predation of offpsring. These selective pressures mean that individuals less well adapted will die or produce fewer offspring. The best adapted individuals have a selective advantage so therefore survive and produce more offspring. These individuals redproduce, passing on advantageous traits to offspring. Over generations there becomes an increase in the frequency of advantageous traits inherited, making individuals better adapted to their environment. (example: Finches of the Galapagos)