Predict: Which traits do you predict will be passed on to the next generation by natural selection?

Natural selection is the process by which certain traits become more or less common in a population due to their effect on the survival and reproduction of their bearers. It's important to note that the traits being referred to are heritable traits - traits that can be passed from parents to offspring.

Predicting which traits will be passed on to the next generation by natural selection involves understanding the environment in which the population lives and how different traits might affect an individual's ability to survive and reproduce in that environment.

Here are the steps to make such a prediction:

1. Identify the Environment: The first step is to understand the environment in which the population lives. This includes factors like climate, available food sources, predators, and other aspects that might affect survival and reproduction.

2. Identify Heritable Traits: The next step is to identify the heritable traits within the population. These are traits that are controlled at least in part by genes and can therefore be passed from parents to offspring.

3. Determine Trait Effects: Once you've identified the heritable traits, the next step is to determine how these traits might affect an individual's ability to survive and reproduce in the given environment. Traits that increase survival and reproduction are likely to be passed on to the next generation.

4. Predict Trait Selection: Based on the effects of the traits, you can then predict which traits are likely to be passed on to the next generation. Traits that increase survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on, while traits that decrease survival and reproduction are less likely to be passed on.

5. Consider Genetic Drift and Mutation: Finally, it's important to remember that natural selection is not the only process that affects the frequency of traits in a population. Genetic drift (random changes in trait frequencies) and mutation (changes in genes that can create new traits) can also affect which traits are passed on to the next generation.

By following these steps, you can make a prediction about which traits are likely to be passed on to the next generation by natural selection. However, it's important to remember that these are just predictions. The actual process of natural selection can be influenced by many factors and can sometimes produce unexpected results.