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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the traditional view of how evolution works, natural selection acts on an individual organism’s traits. Conner Philson, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2025 These are the essential metrics of evolution by natural selection. James T. Stroud, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2025 Charles Darwin said the discovery supported his theory of natural selection. Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025 This pay-to-win offer has interfered with the process of natural selection—in which popular posts would multiply through reposts, mutate in iterative references, and rise above the overwhelming majority of posts that got no interest at all—that used to be the platform’s defining quality. Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for natural selection

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of natural selection was in 1842

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Cite this Entry

“Natural selection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/natural%20selection. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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

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