Evolution.
Genetic variation. If there were no variation in the genes/phenotype then natural selection would have nothing to select from.
When nothing happens to exert strong population pressure on that population, natural selection favors the allele frequency already present. When mutations cause new traits, natural selection weeds these traits out because they're not as efficient as the others.
Adaptation does not allow for natural selection: natural selection causes adaptation.
Everything from available food to climate will cause the changes we see in natural selection. Random mutations occur constantly and when those mutations are beneficial for life, the genetic code is more likely to be passed on to future generations.
Genetic variation in itself does not 'support' natural selection: it is what natural selection acts upon.
No, natural selection is believed to result in evolution.
No, they are two different things.
No, it's exactly the other way around: natural selection causes adaptation.
mutation
Natural selection.
Natural selection can help creatures adapt to their enviorment. Sometimes this can cause unwanted problems.
no
natural selection
They aren't. Intelligent design posits that natural selection cannot create life as we know it, and inserts a deity as the cause.
because the rocks are pretty
Genetic variation. If there were no variation in the genes/phenotype then natural selection would have nothing to select from.
No, natural selection is the environment! The variant organism is selected against the immediate environment where it survives and reproduces better than it's conspecifics.