Short Answer 
Natural selection is an evolutionary process where organisms that are better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce more effectively, leading to the prevalence of advantageous traits. It includes types such as directional, disruptive, and stabilizing selection, each with unique impacts on species diversity and adaptation, ultimately contributing to biodiversity and the survival of populations.
Understanding Natural Selection
Natural selection is a process through which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. This evolutionary mechanism helps species evolve by favoring specific traits that enhance survival and reproductive capabilities. In essence, it explains how certain traits become more common in a population over time.
Types of Natural Selection
Natural selection can be categorized into several types, each impacting species differently. The main types include:
- Directional Selection: Favors one extreme trait, leading to a shift in population traits.
- Disruptive Selection: Favors traits at both extremes while the average trait is selected against, potentially leading to new species.
- Stabilizing Selection: Favors average traits and reduces diversity by eliminating extremes.
Importance of Natural Selection
The significance of natural selection lies in its role in shaping biodiversity and adaptation. It results in the evolution of species and plays a crucial role in:
- Enhancing survival rates of organisms in varying habitats.
- Promoting genetic diversity which can lead to new species over time.
- Contributing to the overall fitness of populations, ensuring they thrive in changing environments.