What does the process of natural selection favor?

Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution that promotes the survival and reproduction of individuals that are best adapted to their environment. This means that individuals which possess traits that enhance their fitness—such as better camouflage, faster running speed, or resistance to disease—are more likely to survive challenges posed by their environment and produce offspring.

When considering the concept of fitness in this context, it refers to the ability of individuals to survive and reproduce in their specific habitat. Those organisms that are "better suited" to their environment will generally have a higher fitness level, as they can more effectively find food, evade predators, and ultimately pass on their advantageous traits to the next generation. This process leads to the gradual adaptation of species over time.

In contrast, those who are less adaptable, those with lower fitness, or those that are genetically identical do not benefit in the same way from natural selection, as they may lack the necessary variations to respond to environmental pressures or changes. Thus, the correct answer reflects the core principle that natural selection favors individuals with traits that enhance their likelihood of survival and reproduction in a given environment.