Natural selection plays a crucial role in shaping population genetics by influencing allele frequencies within a population over generations. It acts on phenotypic variations, favoring individuals with traits that enhance survival and reproductive success. The resulting genetic changes lead to adaptations that enable populations to better exploit their environments or withstand challenges like disease and climate shifts. By understanding natural selection, scientists can gain insights into evolutionary processes and the genetic diversity necessary for a population’s long-term viability, which is vital for biodiversity conservation.