Natural Selection Definition Biology
Natural selection is a fundamental process in biology that drives the evolution of species over time. It is a process by which organisms with traits that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to their offspring. This differential survival and reproduction leads to the gradual change in the population's genetic makeup over generations.
The basis of natural selection lies in variation within a population. No two individuals are exactly alike, and these differences can affect their ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment. For example, in a predator-prey relationship, individuals with faster running speeds or better camouflage may be more likely to evade capture and survive to reproduce.
The principle of natural selection was first proposed by Charles Darwin in his book "On the Origin of Species" in 1859. Darwin observed that species change over time and that this change is influenced by their environment. He proposed that individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and pass on their genes, while individuals with less favorable traits are less likely to survive and reproduce. This process gradually leads to the accumulation of advantageous traits in the population, resulting in the evolution of new species.
Natural selection is a powerful force that has shaped the diversity and complexity of life on Earth. It explains how organisms have evolved complex adaptations to their environments, such as the long necks of giraffes for reaching leaves in tall trees or the echolocation abilities of bats for navigating in darkness. Natural selection continues to drive the evolution of species today, shaping the populations and ecosystems of the future.
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