What is the main characteristic of selective breeding?

The main characteristic of selective breeding is rooted in the process by which humans intentionally choose specific organisms with desirable traits to reproduce, effectively shaping the genetic characteristics of the next generation. This human intervention focuses on enhancing particular features, such as increased yield in crops or specific physical traits in animals, to produce offspring that exhibit those favored characteristics more prominently.

This practice stands in contrast to natural selection, where environmental pressures naturally select for traits that enhance survival and reproduction without human input. Selective breeding is a concentrated and intentional effort to direct the evolution of traits based on human preferences or needs.

In essence, selective breeding is a method that relies on human choice and action to determine which individuals contribute to the next generation, leading to a population that reflects the desired traits, whereas the other options describe processes not primarily involving human control or directing trait expression.