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

The theory of natural selection persevered, and the lengthy record of our ancient roots began to fill out. —Laura Poppick, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2025

This phenomenon, called multilevel selection, is an extension of natural selection: the process by which organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. —Conner Philson, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2025

But not everyone agrees that these traits are necessarily products of natural selection. —Kermit Pattison, Scientific American, 20 May 2025

Today, these islands are widely viewed as a natural living laboratory by scientists, particularly evolutionary biologists, ever since its finches inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution by means of natural selection. —Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for natural selection

• abjection
• advection
• affection
• bijection
• bisection
• collection
• complexion
• confection
• connection
• connexion
• convection
• correction

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