What is a common outcome of natural selection on a population over time?

The correct choice is based on the principle that natural selection favors individuals with traits that enhance their survival and reproductive success in a particular environment. As certain traits become more advantageous, they are passed on to future generations, leading to a gradual change in the population's characteristics. This process often results in increased genetic variation as different alleles (variants of genes) are maintained within the population.

Natural selection does not lead to uniformity in traits; rather, it encourages diversity among individuals. This variation is essential for the population's adaptability to changing environments. Additionally, far from leading to decreased adaptability, natural selection is a mechanism that enhances it, allowing populations to thrive under varied conditions. Over time, the continuous adaptation to environmental pressures prevents stagnation and promotes the evolution of the species, making it more fit for survival.