Which function of a receiver refers to its capability to select a specific frequency?

The function of a receiver that refers to its capability to select a specific frequency is indeed selection. This is a crucial feature as it allows the receiver to tune into a desired signal while ignoring other frequencies that may be present simultaneously. The selection process involves filtering out unwanted signals, which enables the receiver to focus on a particular channel or transmission without interference from other signals.

In the context of radio communication, for instance, a receiver must be able to isolate one frequency from a multitude of others to ensure clear reception of the intended broadcast. This capability is essential in both analog and digital communications, where multiple channels can exist over the same medium.

Other functions like reproduction, detection, and suppression serve different purposes. Reproduction refers to the process of playing back or outputting the received signals, detection is about identifying and extracting the information from the carrier wave, and suppression involves reducing unwanted signals or noise. Each of these plays a role in the overall function of communication systems but does not specifically pertain to the ability to select a frequency as effectively as the selection function does.