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Natural Selection

Definition

Natural selection is a key mechanism in Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. It refers to nature selecting certain heritable traits within a population over time, favoring those traits that offer advantages for survival and reproduction.

Analogy

Think of natural selection as a talent show where contestants with unique talents have an advantage over others when it comes to winning prizes (resources). As time goes on, only those with advantageous talents continue succeeding, just as organisms with beneficial traits survive while others struggle.

Related terms

Adaptation: Adaptation is the process by which organisms adjust to their environment through genetic or behavioral changes. It allows them to better survive and reproduce in their specific ecological niche.

Variation: Variation refers to differences in traits among individuals within a population. These variations are crucial for natural selection since they provide the raw material upon which selection acts.

Fitness: Fitness, in evolutionary terms, describes an organism's ability to survive and reproduce successfully in its specific environment. The fitter an individual is, the more likely it is to pass on its genes to future generations.