Natural selection

Definition

Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. Over time, this leads to the evolution of species as advantageous traits become more common in a population.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural selection is one of the main mechanisms of evolution, alongside mutation, gene flow, and genetic drift.
2. It operates based on variation within a population, differential survival and reproduction, and heritability of traits.
3. Charles Darwin is credited with formulating the theory of natural selection in his book 'On the Origin of Species'.
4. Natural selection can lead to speciation, where new species arise from existing ones due to accumulated changes over time.
5. Environmental pressures such as predation, climate change, and competition for resources drive natural selection.

Review Questions

• What are the three key components required for natural selection to occur?
• How does natural selection contribute to the process of evolution?
• Who is widely recognized for developing the theory of natural selection?

Related terms

Mutation: A change in the DNA sequence that can introduce new genetic variations into a population.

Gene Flow: The transfer of genetic material between separate populations which can affect allele frequencies.

Genetic Drift: A mechanism of evolution that involves random changes in allele frequencies within a population.