natural selection

noun

Updated on: 26 Apr 2018

Definition of natural selection

: 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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Recent Examples of natural selection from the Web

That makes the genes likely candidates for the evolutionary process known as natural selection.

— elizabeth pennisi, Science | AAAS, "Indonesian divers have evolved bigger spleens to hunt underwater," 19 Apr. 2018
In theory, if given enough time, the caribou might eventually adjust as natural selection takes its course and favors individuals that calve earlier.

— author: livia albeck ripka, brad plumer, Anchorage Daily News, "5 plants and animals utterly confused by climate change," 10 Apr. 2018
But other researchers argued that natural selection would have quickly favored adaptations for efficient walking given the dangers on the ground, even while hominins were still scurrying up trees.

— ann gibbons, Science | AAAS, "Our tree-climbing human ancestors could walk upright like us, study of chimps and other primates shows," 2 Apr. 2018
Few people realize that there were actually two men who co-founded the theory of evolution through natural selection.

— mark johanson, chicagotribune.com, "Paradise takes many forms on this Indonesian archipelago," 23 Mar. 2018
This extraordinary fossil—bearing feathers as well as teeth, claws, a bony tail, and other reptilian traits—was just the sort of creature that Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection predicted should exist.

— brian switek, Smithsonian, "What’s a Missing Link?," 7 Mar. 2018
With this variation on Flemish carbonnade, beer would be a natural selection: a Belgian ale, a brown ale, or a dry stout or porter.

— melissa clark, New York Times, "Beef and Onions, Made Better With Beer," 26 Jan. 2018
This ability may offer some of the same adaptive benefits as natural selection, but on an individual level.

— nathaniel scharping, Discover Magazine, "Octopuses Can Stray From Their DNA," 24 Jan. 2018
There also are touch screens to entertain and educate, including a simulation game for one or two players that illustrates the principle of natural selection.

— matt campbell, kansascity, "See Kansas Pteranodon and other dinosaurs at new Museum at Prairiefire exhibit | The Kansas City Star," 8 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'natural selection.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of natural selection

1842

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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