What is the process of selectively breeding organisms to influence certain traits called?

The process of selectively breeding organisms to influence certain traits is known as artificial selection. This method involves humans intentionally selecting which individuals should reproduce based on desired characteristics, such as size, color, or yield in plants and animals. Over generations, this selective breeding can enhance specific traits within a population, leading to significant differences from the original stock.

In contrast to natural selection, where environmental pressures play a key role in determining which individuals survive and reproduce, artificial selection relies on human choices. This distinction is crucial for understanding how certain breeds, varieties, or strains of organisms can develop unique traits that may not necessarily be advantageous in a natural setting.

The other options highlight different biological concepts. Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. Adaptive radiation refers to the rapid evolution of diversely adapted species from a common ancestor in response to various ecological opportunities. Gene manipulation involves directly altering the genetic material of an organism, which can also change traits but does not involve the controlled breeding practice that characterizes artificial selection.