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

And finally, by natural selection, which filters out those genes better equipped than others to endure in the environment. —Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Humans are the only animals known to be discontented with natural selection. —Tad Friend, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025

More ducks are opting against migration due to evolution and natural selection — and there's an association with warming winters caused by climate change, Dale Gentry, director of conservation for Audubon Upper Mississippi River, told Axios. —Nick Halter, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025

According to Hertog and Hawking, these properties must be viewed through the lens of human observers, who are also the consequence of natural selection. —Quanta Magazine, 24 July 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