* Natural Selection: This is the core concept in evolution. It means that individuals with traits that help them survive and reproduce in their environment are more likely to pass those traits on to their offspring. This process leads to changes in populations over time.
* Factors Affecting Survival: There are many factors that contribute to an animal's survival, including:
* Predation: Some animals have more predators than others. Baby rabbits are especially vulnerable to predators like foxes, hawks, and snakes.
* Disease and Parasites: Different animals are susceptible to different diseases and parasites.
* Competition: Animals compete for resources like food, water, and shelter. If an animal is less successful at competing, it may be less likely to survive.
* Climate: Animals need to be able to adapt to the climate they live in. Extreme weather can make survival difficult.
* Habitat: Animals need suitable habitats for food, shelter, and reproduction. If an animal's habitat is destroyed, it may struggle to survive.
* Genetics: Some animals are simply born with better genes that make them more resistant to disease, better at finding food, or faster runners.
* The Case of the Baby Rabbits: The two baby rabbits that survived likely had a combination of luck and favorable traits. They might have been born in a safe location, avoided predators, or been healthier than their siblings.
Remember: Survival is a complex topic, and there's no single answer to why some animals are more likely to survive than others. It's a combination of many factors!