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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
Decades before the Fortune 500 came along, natural selection had identified most of the 49ers as business sequoias.
—Bygeoff Colvin, Fortune, 4 June 2024
The hypothesis challenges the common assumption that natural selection is the only force at work in evolution.
—Quanta Magazine, 2 May 2024
Taken together, the study suggests a form of complex and messy natural selection playing out in the internet's exploitation economy.
—Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 11 Jan. 2024
Scientists suggest the golden head feathers were rewarded by natural selection, as females chose the most vibrantly colored hybrids to reproduce with.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for natural selection
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 10 Jun. 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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