natural selection

noun

: a natural process that results in the survival and reproductive success of individuals or groups best adjusted to their environment and that leads to the perpetuation of genetic qualities best suited to that particular environment

Examples of natural selection in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That is, as time goes on, a system will grow more diverse and complex, enriched in the functions needed for survival, through a kind of natural selection. Paul Voosen, science.org, 1 Nov. 2024 Since there are way more eggs than there are mature animals, and a lot of them die, natural selection for survival through the egg stage is likely extremely powerful, says Warkentin. Sofia Quaglia, Discover Magazine, 29 Oct. 2024 This natural selection for friendliness is thought to have also caused many accidental changes—such as floppy ears, curly tails, and splotchy coats—as well as the ability to make eye contact and read human gestures in a way that wolves cannot. Brian Hare, The Atlantic, 14 Oct. 2024 The closest parallels to Babb’s predicament might be the fate of innovators such as Alfred Russel Wallace, who came up with the concept of natural selection around the same time as Charles Darwin, or Gottfried Liebniz, who developed a variant of calculus just as Isaac Newton did. Mark Athitakis, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for natural selection 

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of natural selection was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near natural selection

Cite this Entry

“Natural selection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/natural%20selection. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

natural selection

noun
: a natural process in which individuals or groups best adapted to the conditions under which they live survive and produce young and poorly adapted forms are eliminated

Medical Definition

natural selection

noun
: a natural process that results in the survival and reproductive success of individuals or groups best adjusted to their environment and that leads to the perpetuation of genetic qualities best suited to that particular environment

More from Merriam-Webster on natural selection

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