In natural selection, the individuals with traits that are best suited to their environment are the ones most likely to survive and reproduce. This means that their genes are passed on to the next generation, while the genes of individuals less well-suited to the environment are less likely to be passed on.

So, what's being "selected" isn't the traits themselves, but rather the individuals carrying those traits.

Here's a breakdown:

* Natural Selection acts on individuals: The environment presents challenges and pressures that some individuals are better equipped to handle than others.

* Individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce: These individuals have a higher chance of leaving offspring, meaning their genes are more likely to be passed on.

* Over time, the population evolves: The frequency of advantageous traits increases in the population, leading to a gradual change in the overall makeup of the species.

Important note: Natural selection is not about being "better" or "more advanced". It's simply about adapting to the specific environmental conditions that exist at a given time and place. What is advantageous in one environment might be detrimental in another.