What term refers to the increased chance of survival for an organism due to favorable characteristics?

The correct term for the increased chance of survival for an organism due to favorable characteristics is "selective advantage." This concept is fundamental in evolutionary biology, where certain traits increase an organism's likelihood of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment. When an organism possesses advantageous traits, it is more likely to thrive compared to others without those traits, enabling it to pass on its genes to the next generation. This process can lead to the gradual evolution of species as those advantageous traits become more common over time, driving natural selection.

In contrast, survival strategy refers to the methods an organism uses to stay alive but doesn’t specifically relate to inherent characteristics. An adaptive trait is a specific feature that enhances an organism’s ability to survive in its environment, yet it does not encompass the broader concept of increased survival chances. Fitness level refers to an organism's reproductive success relative to others in the population but is not solely focused on favorable characteristics. Each of these terms has its own distinct meaning and application in biological contexts, but "selective advantage" directly highlights the link between favorable traits and increased survival chances.