NATURAL SELECTION Meaning and
Definition
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Natural selection is a fundamental concept in the field of evolutionary biology. It refers to the process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, causing their favorable traits to become more prevalent in subsequent generations. This mechanism was first proposed by Charles Darwin as a major driving force behind the process of evolution.
In natural selection, diverse individuals within a population exhibit variation in their traits. Some variations may provide certain individuals with advantages over others in terms of survival and reproduction. These advantageous traits allow those individuals to thrive in their environment, while individuals with less favorable traits may struggle to survive and reproduce. As a result, the favorable traits become more common in the population over time.
The process of natural selection relies on specific mechanisms. First, there must be heritable variation within a population, meaning that the traits in question can be passed down from one generation to the next. Second, there must be differential reproductive success, meaning that individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to produce offspring that survive and reproduce. Finally, the environment must act as the selecting agent, bestowing advantages on certain traits while posing challenges for others.
Natural selection ultimately drives the process of evolution, shaping the characteristics of populations and leading to the emergence of new species. It is through natural selection that populations can gradually adapt to their changing environments, resulting in the diversity of life forms we observe today.
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The elimination of the weak and unfit through the action of natural laws, whereby the race tends to grow stronger; opposed to artificial s. on the one side and medical s. on the other.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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That process in nature by which the strongest, swiftest, &c., outlive and take the place of the weaker, &c.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for NATURAL SELECTION
- batural selection
- matural selection
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- hatural selection
- nztural selection
- nstural selection
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- narural selection
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- nagural selection
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Etymology of NATURAL SELECTION
The term "natural selection" was coined by British naturalist Charles Darwin in his seminal work "On the Origin of Species", published in 1859. The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:
1. "Natural": The term comes from the Latin word "natura", meaning "course of things" or "nature". It refers to the inherent qualities or characteristics of living organisms or the environment in which they exist.
2. "Selection": The term is derived from the Latin word "selectus", which means "chosen" or "selected". Selection implies the process of choosing or favoring certain traits or characteristics.
When combined, "natural selection" describes the process by which certain heritable traits become more or less common in a population over time due to their influence on survival and reproductive success.
Similar spelling words for NATURAL SELECTION
- natural science,
- natural depression,
- natural elevation,
- naturalization,
- natural object,
- naturalisation,
- natural scientist,
- natural action,
- natural history,
- natural enclosure,
- natural spring,
- natural virtue,
- natural ability,
- natural process.
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