The change in the genetic composition of a population that occurs due to natural selection is referred to as what?

Explanation

The correct answer is adaptation. Natural selection leads to genetic changes in a population by favoring alleles that confer a survival advantage, thereby increasing their frequency over time. This process results in adaptation, where the population becomes more suited to its environment. Polymorphism refers to genetic variation within a population but isn't a direct result of natural selection. Specialization involves an organism or organ adapting to a specific role, not necessarily linked to genetic change. Gene linkage refers to the proximity of genes on a chromosome and does not involve changes in allele frequencies due to environmental pressures.