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
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Over millennia, natural selection sculpted nearly every part of the aye-aye’s body around that strategy. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026 Examples include his pioneering insights on the dispersal of seeds, his anticipation of Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection and his study of the seasonal manifestations of natural phenomena, such as plants’ flowering times and bird migrations. Robert M. Thorson, The Conversation, 8 May 2026 What to read next McPherson thinks the initial quality gain observed in embryos formed after only four hours of microgravity exposure was due to the natural selection process that had occurred, allowing only the fittest sperms to reach the eggs. Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 27 Mar. 2026 The most famous contributor to this scientific history is Charles Darwin, best known for his theory of evolution by means of natural selection, less known for his work on the climbing abilities of plants. Andrés Muedano, JSTOR Daily, 25 Mar. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Natural selection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/natural%20selection. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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

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