Natural Selection

Natural selection is a significant mechanism of evolution. In its basic form, natural selection is the organism’s adaptation to its environment. The ones who adapt, survive, and thrive in their habitat are the most successful and likely to pass their genes to their offspring. Over time, a species will change, becoming even more adapted and proficient.

Natural Selection: Summary

The millions of species that currently live on the planet went through natural selection, each species filtering out the best specimens to continue their existence.

What is natural selection in simple terms?

Genetic mutations that benefit an individual’s survival pass through reproduction. Eventually, a new generation of a species emerges and is more likely to survive. Those that survive the best in their environment are more likely to reproduce and pass their genes to the next generation.

A giraffe’s long neck is one of the best examples of natural selection. The better food source was high in the trees, so those with longer necks had a competitive advantage and were more likely to live longer and reproduce, passing their long necks to their offspring.

What Are Darwin’s Three Main Ideas of Natural Selection?

Natural selection stands on three principles according to Charles Darwin. First, there must be a struggle for existence. There is a disparity between the number of individuals produced and the number than can actually survive. Second, variation exists within all species. Those with more advantageous qualities are likelier to survive and reproduce. And finally, individuals with these favorable characters reproduce and their offspring are likely to resemble their parents. Darwin believed that in order for natural selection to occur, all three of these conditions must be met.