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What is the main characteristic of artificial selection?

  1. A natural process of survival

  2. Selection by humans for breeding of useful traits from natural variation

  3. An outcome of random genetic mutations

  4. A method of cloning organisms

The correct answer is: Selection by humans for breeding of useful traits from natural variation

The main characteristic of artificial selection is the deliberate selection by humans for breeding individuals that exhibit desirable traits or features. This process involves taking advantage of the natural variations within species to enhance particular traits, such as size, color, or resistance to disease. Humans actively choose which organisms will reproduce based on these traits, leading to a selective breeding process that shapes the characteristics of future generations. This approach is distinct from natural selection, where environmental pressures determine which traits are advantageous for survival and reproduction in a given habitat. In artificial selection, human preferences drive the direction of development, allowing for the rapid evolution of domesticated species, such as in agriculture or pet breeding.