Natural selection is an important component of evolution. Natural selection occurs when some members of a population are better suited to survival and reproduction than others (Phelan 284-85, 2011). The environment in which organisms live also plays a role in natural selection. Depending on environmental conditions, organisms can pass on selected traits to their offspring. These selected traits will allow the next generation to adapt better and survive longer. An example of evolution that has occurred in the last ten years is that of the Hypolimnas Bolina, or the Blue Moon butterfly. The blue moon butterfly has evolved through the process of natural selection to survive. The male Blue Moon butterfly was facing extinction due to the parasitic bacterium Wolbachia. The bacteria were transmitted from the mother and killed the male offspring before they hatched (Sherriff 2007). Fortunately, the male population has increased dramatically due to natural selection. Through inheritance, a gene was successfully passed down through the next ten generations of Blue Moon butterflies. This gene has been called the “savior” gene. This gene allows infected female butterflies to produce male butterflies that are not affected by the previously fatal bacteria (Sherriff 2007). These newly adapted butterflies have a better fitness, or chance of survival, than those that were infected and did not inherit the “savior” gene. In the case of these butterflies, evolution occurred rather quickly and saved the population from extinction. Some believe this gene may be the result of a random mutation. Others believe that a migrating butterfly may have carried the gene into this c...... middle of paper...... Freeman, 2011. 284-85. Print.Phelan, Jay. “Chapter 8 Evolution and Natural Selection / Section 8.10: When three simple conditions are met, evolution by natural selection occurs.” What is Life?: A Guide to Biology with Physiology. New York: W. H. Freeman, 2011. 301-03. Print."Reconciling creation and science." Rational Christianity - Christian Apologetics. Rational Christianity, November 2005. Web. 04 November 2011. .Sheriff, Lucy. “Rapid Evolution Saves Blue Moon Butterflies • The Register.” The Register: Science and technology news for the world. Register A, July 13, 2007. Web. November 15, 2011. Williams, Patricia A. “Christianity and Evolutionary Ethics.” From capitalism to democracy. June 1996. Web. 03 November. 2011. .