Which of the following elements are essential for evolution by natural selection?

A) individualism and diffusion
B) mutation and progress
C) variability and competition
D) mutation and instinct

Evolution

The concept that different species are descended from common ancestors but have evolved over time, acquiring different genetic characteristics as a function of different environmental demands.

Natural Selection

A fundamental mechanism of evolution where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Variability

The degree to which different data points in a set differ from each other and from their average value.