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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
Many of those parasites are transmitted via insects, so natural selection will tend to favor defense mechanisms that ward off the pests.
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Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 19 July 2024
This has allowed natural selection to engineer them for a long period of evolution, and their unique relationship with human biology can (and should) be leveraged into practical therapies.
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Byallie Garfinkle, Fortune, 27 June 2024
Exploring the volcanic archipelago allows travelers to learn about the evolutionary adaptations that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection — paired with fun day trips like snorkeling or observing rare birds.
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Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2024
Steeped in evolution, natural selection has favored males who inseminate the most females – and females who leave reproductive offspring of their own.
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Discover Magazine, 5 July 2024
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'natural selection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 27 Jul. 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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about natural selection
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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