The unit of natural selection is `:`

Options

A. Individual
B. Population
C. Species
D. Mutation

Answer

To solve the question "The unit of natural selection is:", we need to analyze the options provided and understand the concept of natural selection.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Natural Selection**:
- Natural selection is a process described by Charles Darwin, which explains how certain traits become more or less common in a population over time. It is a gradual process where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

2. **Identifying the Units of Natural Selection**:
- The unit of natural selection refers to the biological entity that is subject to the process of natural selection. This could be a gene, an individual organism, a population, or even a species.

3. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **Option 1: Individual**: This option suggests that the individual organism is the unit of natural selection. Since natural selection acts on individuals based on their traits, this option is a strong contender.
- **Option 2: Population**: While populations are affected by natural selection, the selection occurs at the level of individuals within that population.
- **Option 3: Species**: A species is a broader category and is not the immediate unit of natural selection.
- **Option 4: Mutation**: Mutations are changes in genetic material that can lead to variations; however, they are not units of natural selection themselves.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the understanding that natural selection acts on individuals, the correct answer is **Option 1: Individual**. This means that the unit of natural selection is the individual organism.

### Final Answer:
The unit of natural selection is **Individual**.

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