The spelling of the phrase "artificial selections" can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first word "artificial" is spelled /ɑːtɪˈfɪʃəl/, with the stress on the second syllable. The second word "selections" is spelled /sɪˈlɛkʃənz/, with the stress on the first syllable. Together, the phrase refers to the process of selecting and breeding certain organisms for desired traits, which is controlled by humans rather than natural selection.
Artificial selection refers to the process in which humans intentionally breed certain organisms, primarily plants and animals, with desirable traits to create offspring that possess those desired traits. This selective breeding is done with the objective of achieving specific characteristics or attributes that are deemed advantageous or beneficial for various purposes, such as improved productivity, aesthetic value, or disease resistance.
Artificial selection is achieved by carefully selecting and pairing individuals that exhibit the desired traits, and then allowing them to reproduce. This controlled mating ensures that the chosen traits are passed down to subsequent generations, while simultaneously reducing the occurrence of undesired traits. Through repeated cycles of selective breeding, the desired traits become increasingly common among the breeding population over time.
Artificial selection has been practiced by humans for thousands of years in the cultivation of crops, the domestication of animals, and the development of new plant or animal breeds. It has played a significant role in the advancement of agriculture, animal husbandry, and horticulture, allowing for the improvement and diversification of different species to better suit human needs and preferences.
In contrast to natural selection, which occurs through the process of adaptation and survival of the fittest in natural environments, artificial selection relies on human interference to guide the genetic composition of a population. This manipulation of heritable traits has led to the generation of numerous breeds and varieties that exhibit a wide range of characteristics, serving various purposes and enriching our understanding of genetic diversity.
The word "artificial" derives from the Latin word "artificiālis", which means "made by art, artistic, artificial". It is formed from the noun "artificium", meaning "craftsmanship" or "art", combined with the suffix "-alis", denoting "pertaining to".
The term "selection" comes from the Latin word "selectio", which means "act of choosing" or "selection". It is derived from the verb "seligere", meaning "to choose" or "to select".
The combination of these two words, "artificial selections", refers to the deliberate selection and breeding of certain desired traits in plants or animals by humans, rather than being a natural occurrence. This process is typically carried out in order to enhance specific characteristics, such as size, color, or productivity, in the offspring of these organisms.