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artificial selection
noun
: selective breeding
Even artificial selection is slow: it takes decades and acres of space to develop just one new cultivar.—Jack Fincher
Examples of artificial selection in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In this regard, humans are no different from the pigs, cattle, and wheat that our farmers subject to artificial selection.
—Christopher Wills, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019
Furthermore, embryo selection in humans can resemble artificial selection, giving us the ability to steer the appearance of human traits in future populations.
—Shawn Walsh, Quanta Magazine, 29 Nov. 2023
But as effective as it’s been, artificial selection is still fairly limited.
—Shawn Walsh, Quanta Magazine, 29 Nov. 2023
But this is one area where dogs definitely eclipse cats; artificial selection on their wolf ancestor has, of course, produced a dizzying array of sizes, shapes and behaviors.
—Jerry A. Coyne, Washington Post, 3 May 2023
At the same time, Egyptian paintings show cats of diverse colors and patterns far removed from the familiar tabby — the products of artificial selection by breeders craving novelty.
—Jerry A. Coyne, Washington Post, 3 May 2023
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Word History
First Known Use
1859, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of artificial selection was
in 1859
Dictionary Entries Near artificial selection
Cite this Entry
“Artificial selection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/artificial%20selection. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
artificial selection
noun
: the process of modifying living things (as plants and animals) by selective breeding controlled by human beings
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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