Difference between revisions of "Natural selection"
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| − | '''Natural selection''' is the natural process by which lifeforms that have genetic traits that better enable them to adapt to specific environments pressures will tend to survive and reproduce in greater numbers than others of their kind. Such environmental pressures include predators, changes in climate, and competition for | + | '''Natural selection''' is the natural process, by which lifeforms that have [[Branches of Scientific Study#G|genetic traits]] that better enable them to adapt to specific environments pressures, will tend to survive and reproduce in greater numbers than others of their kind. <br> Such environmental pressures include predators, changes in climate, and competition for food or mates. The more favorable genetic traits are then passed on to succeeding generations. |
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| + | It is a key mechanism of [[evolution]], the change in the inheritable traits or characteristic of a population over generations. | ||
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| + | Variation exists within all populations of organisms. This occurs partly because random mutations arise in the genome of an individual organism, and their offspring can inherit such mutations. <br> Because individuals with certain variants of the trait tend to survive and reproduce more than individuals with other less successful variants, the population evolves. | ||
| + | * Over time, this process can result in populations that specialize for particular ecological niches (microevolution), and may eventually result in speciation (the emergence of new species, macroevolution). | ||
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| + | Natural selection is a cornerstone of modern [[biology]]. The concept, published in a joint presentation of papers in [[19th Century|1858]], was described as analogous to artificial selection: a process by which animals and plants with traits <br> considered desirable by [[human]] breeders are systematically favored for reproduction. | ||
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[[Category:Medical]] | [[Category:Medical]] | ||
[[Category:Biological Terminology]] | [[Category:Biological Terminology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 00:46, 23 June 2022
Natural selection is the natural process, by which lifeforms that have genetic traits that better enable them to adapt to specific environments pressures, will tend to survive and reproduce in greater numbers than others of their kind.
Such environmental pressures include predators, changes in climate, and competition for food or mates. The more favorable genetic traits are then passed on to succeeding generations.
It is a key mechanism of evolution, the change in the inheritable traits or characteristic of a population over generations.
Variation exists within all populations of organisms. This occurs partly because random mutations arise in the genome of an individual organism, and their offspring can inherit such mutations.
Because individuals with certain variants of the trait tend to survive and reproduce more than individuals with other less successful variants, the population evolves.
- Over time, this process can result in populations that specialize for particular ecological niches (microevolution), and may eventually result in speciation (the emergence of new species, macroevolution).
Natural selection is a cornerstone of modern biology. The concept, published in a joint presentation of papers in 1858, was described as analogous to artificial selection: a process by which animals and plants with traits
considered desirable by human breeders are systematically favored for reproduction.
