What does heritability refer to in the context of natural selection?

Heritability refers specifically to the ability of advantageous traits to pass from parents to their offspring. In the context of natural selection, this concept is fundamental because it determines how traits that provide a survival or reproductive advantage can be transmitted through generations. When a trait is heritable, it means that there is a genetic basis for the trait, allowing those advantageous characteristics to be expressed in future generations.

This process contributes to the evolution of a population, as those individuals carrying heritable traits that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, these traits become more common within the population, leading to evolutionary change. Understanding heritability is crucial for studying the underlying genetic mechanisms that drive evolutionary processes.