Natural selection

Definition

Natural selection is a process in evolutionary biology where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. This concept explains how species evolve over time through the gradual accumulation of advantageous traits, leading to the idea of 'survival of the fittest.' It highlights the interplay between variation, competition, and environmental pressures in shaping the characteristics of living organisms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural selection was popularized by Charles Darwin in the 19th century, particularly through his work 'On the Origin of Species' published in 1859.
2. The process relies on the presence of variation within a population, where individuals with traits that offer advantages are more likely to survive and reproduce.
3. Natural selection can lead to speciation, where new species arise from a common ancestor due to different environmental pressures.
4. The theory of natural selection challenged existing views on creation and led to significant philosophical debates about humanity's place in nature.
5. It is a key mechanism for understanding biodiversity and the complex relationships between organisms and their environments.

Review Questions

• How does natural selection contribute to the process of evolution in living organisms?
  • Natural selection contributes to evolution by favoring individuals with traits that enhance their survival and reproductive success. Over time, these advantageous traits become more common within a population, leading to gradual changes in species. This process underscores how environmental pressures shape the characteristics of organisms, ultimately driving the evolutionary process.
• In what ways did Darwin's theory of natural selection challenge prevailing beliefs about creation and species origins during the 19th century?
  • Darwin's theory of natural selection presented a scientific explanation for the diversity of life that contradicted traditional religious views of creation. By proposing that species evolved over time through natural processes rather than being created in their current forms, Darwin sparked significant debates in both scientific and philosophical circles. This shift influenced perceptions of humanity's place in nature and prompted discussions about adaptation and change.
• Evaluate the broader implications of natural selection on our understanding of biodiversity and conservation efforts today.
  • Natural selection provides crucial insights into biodiversity by explaining how species adapt to changing environments, which is vital for conservation strategies. Understanding this process helps identify which species are more vulnerable to extinction due to environmental changes. It also emphasizes the importance of preserving genetic diversity, as a robust gene pool enhances a population's ability to adapt and thrive amid shifting ecological conditions. Consequently, this understanding shapes contemporary approaches to wildlife management and habitat conservation.

Related terms

evolution:

The gradual change in species over time, driven by processes like natural selection, mutation, and genetic drift.

adaptation: A trait that enhances an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment, often developed through natural selection.

fitness: A measure of an organism's ability to survive and reproduce, with higher fitness indicating greater success in passing genes to the next generation.