Which of the following processes can lead to the adaptation of species?

All the processes mentioned—natural selection, genetic drift, and mutations—play critical roles in the adaptation of species.

Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution, where individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, this leads to a population becoming better adapted to its ecological niche.

Genetic drift involves random changes in allele frequencies in a population from one generation to the next. It can lead to significant evolutionary changes, especially in small populations, by randomly eliminating or promoting certain traits independent of their adaptive value.

Mutations introduce new genetic variations into a population, providing raw material for evolution. While many mutations are neutral or detrimental, some can provide advantageous traits that improve an organism's survival or reproductive success in specific environments.

Together, these processes contribute to the adaptation of species, highlighting that adaptations can arise from a variety of mechanisms, not just one. Thus, the correct answer encompasses the entirety of these processes, affirming that all of them play essential roles in the adaptation of species.