natural selection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "natural selection" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of biology to describe the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. Example: "Darwin's theory of evolution is largely based on the principle of natural selection, which explains how species evolve over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's natural selection.

The New Yorker

|  "Audubon's Aviary: Natural Selection".

The New Yorker

Natural selection The winners.

Independent

This is natural selection.

The Guardian

Natural selection acts on individuals.

The Economist

Natural selection sees to that.

The Economist

"Racing is about natural selection.

The New York Times

It's natural selection in overdrive.

The New York Times

Adaptation and natural selection.

Stanford University

"Natural selection may deselect her.

The New York Times - Books

Natural selection obeys universal laws.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing evolutionary biology, use "natural selection" to accurately describe the process by which advantageous traits become more common in a population over generations.

Common error

Avoid implying that "natural selection" creates new traits; it acts on existing variations produced by random mutation. "Natural selection" itself is not random; it's the mutations that provide the raw material upon which it acts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "natural selection" functions primarily as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence when discussing evolutionary processes. It refers to the mechanism driving evolutionary change, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

23%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "natural selection" is a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology, describing the process where heritable traits influencing survival and reproduction become more or less common in a population. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and high frequency across academic, scientific, and media contexts. While often associated with formal and scientific discussions, it's important to remember that "natural selection" acts upon random mutations, and it is not synonymous with evolution itself. Its understanding is crucial for comprehending how life on Earth has diversified and adapted over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Darwinian selection

Directly refers to Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection.

survival of the fittest

This phrase emphasizes the competitive aspect of natural selection, where only the strongest or most adaptable survive.

evolutionary adaptation

This phrase focuses on the process by which organisms become better suited to their environment through natural selection.

fitness advantage

Refers to the benefit that certain traits provide in terms of survival and reproduction, driving natural selection.

selective pressure

This term highlights the environmental factors that drive natural selection by favoring certain traits over others.

differential survival

This describes the core mechanism of natural selection, where some organisms survive and reproduce at higher rates than others.

adaptive evolution

Emphasizes the outcome of natural selection, which is the development of traits that enhance survival and reproduction.

ecological selection

This highlights the role of environmental conditions in selecting for specific traits.

positive selection

A type of natural selection that increases the frequency of beneficial alleles.

non-random mating

Suggests that mate choice is not random and can influence which traits are passed on, influencing natural selection.

FAQs

How does "natural selection" differ from artificial selection?

"Natural selection" is driven by environmental factors, whereas artificial selection is driven by human preferences. In artificial selection, humans choose which individuals reproduce, while in "natural selection", nature does.

What role does mutation play in "natural selection"?

Mutation introduces genetic variation into a population, providing the raw material for "natural selection" to act upon. Without mutation, there would be no new traits for selection to favor or disfavor.

Is "natural selection" the same thing as evolution?

"Natural selection" is a mechanism of evolution, but evolution encompasses broader changes in the genetic makeup of a population over time. Other mechanisms of evolution include genetic drift, gene flow, and mutation. "Evolution" is more general.

How can I use "natural selection" in a sentence?

Example: "The peppered moth's color change is a classic example of "natural selection" in response to industrial pollution."