Evolutionary Theory describes modification of species as a result of which process?

• A. Social learning and imitation.
• B. Natural selection (Darwin).
• C. Intentional design and planning.
• D. Random cultural shifts.

Answer: (B)

Natural selection is the mechanism that drives evolutionary modification. In every population there is heritable variation, and individuals with traits that help them survive or reproduce more successfully will leave more offspring. Over many generations, these advantageous traits become more common, shaping the population and sometimes leading to new species. This is the core way evolution explains changes in organisms over time. The other ideas don’t capture how biological traits become more common across generations: social learning and imitation involve cultural transmission rather than changes to genetic makeup; intentional design and planning imply purposeful direction not supported by evolutionary evidence; and random cultural shifts affect culture rather than the biological evolution of species.