The significance of natural selection lies in its role as a driving force of evolution. This process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce leads to the gradual adaptation of populations to their environment. Over generations, advantageous traits become more common, while disadvantageous traits may diminish. This helps explain the diversity of species and their adaptations to different ecological niches. Natural selection emphasizes the importance of genetic variation and environmental pressures in shaping the evolution of life on Earth.