noun

natural selection

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Natural selection (noun) means the process by which living things with traits better suited to their environment tend to survive and have more offspring, so that those traits become more common in later generations. Example: “Natural selection favoured the moths whose colouring hid them on soot-darkened bark.”

noun

The process by which living things with traits better suited to their environment tend to survive and have more offspring, so that those traits become more common in later generations.

"Natural selection favoured the moths whose colouring hid them on soot-darkened bark."

"Antibiotic resistance spreads through natural selection."

How to use natural selection

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTraits that help an animal or plant survive get passed on more often.

When to use it

Standard scientific term, familiar in general writing.

Memory tip

Natural selection acts on populations over generations, never on a single individual during its lifetime.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

evolution → artificial selection adaptation → genetic drift

Common pairings

by natural selection the theory of natural selection natural selection acts on pressure of natural selection

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ favoured the moths whose colouring hid them on soot-darkened bark.

Etymology

Coined by British biologist Charles Darwin in 1859 in his work On the Origin of Species.

Rhymes for natural selection

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between natural selection and evolution?

Evolution is the change in the inherited characteristics of populations over generations. Natural selection is one mechanism that drives it, alongside others such as genetic drift, mutation and migration. Natural selection is the how; evolution is the what.

What is the difference between natural selection and artificial selection?

Both change which traits become common, but the filter differs. In natural selection the environment does the selecting through survival and reproduction; in artificial selection humans choose which individuals breed, as with dog breeds and crop varieties.

Is 'survival of the fittest' the same thing?

It is a popular but misleading paraphrase. 'Fittest' here means best fitted to a particular environment, not strongest or fastest, and what really counts is reproductive success rather than mere survival.

What is the meaning of natural selection?

"natural selection" (noun) means the process by which living things with traits better suited to their environment tend to survive and have more offspring, so that those traits become more common in later generations.