Question

Is natural selection a random process?

Answer 1

In terms of an arbitrary genetic change, yes. In terms of the outcomes of that change, no.

Explanation:

The initiating event of "natural selection" is the genetic change in an individual. That is necessarily a random event because neither the time nor the type of change can be predicted, nor do they follow any particular pattern.

Whether a change survives "natural selection" is less random, because it is possible to identify a great many types of changes that would not only not provide a survival advantage, but could be detrimental to the individual and species. Thus, the process of "natural selection" can be seen to follow certain non-random principles, but the initiating event is random.