The theory of natural selection states that: a. individuals that live the longest are best adapted and selected for survival in the next generation b. the best-adapted individuals survive and reproduce, contributing the most genes to the next generation c. only the largest and strongest survive d. individuals that mutate in response to their environment will survive at the expense of those individuals who are genetically stable

The correct answer is option b.

Explanation:

Natural selection generally illustrates that some of the individuals in a population get adapted significantly with their surroundings, and as a consequence, will thrive. Due to this, the genes get inherited on to the next generation, which may help the coming generation to get well adapted to the present environment. Therefore, the individuals that adapt adequately will thrive and reproduce and will pass on the majority of the genes to the next generation.