The term for the process that leads to the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is known as natural selection. Over time, bacteria can undergo mutations that confer resistance to antibiotics. When exposed to these drugs, susceptible bacteria die off, allowing the resistant bacteria to survive and reproduce. This selective pressure results in a higher proportion of resistant bacteria in the population, making it increasingly difficult to treat infections effectively. Combatting antibiotic resistance requires careful management of antibiotic use and development of new therapies.