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Definitions

natural selection

[nach-er-uhl si-lek-shuhn, nach-ruhl] / ˈnætʃ ər əl sɪˈlɛk ʃən, ˈnætʃ rəl /
NOUN
evolutionary theory
Synonyms
WEAK
Darwinian theory Darwinism adaptation artificial selection biological evolution evolution evolutionism law of the jungle natural law phylogeny social Darwinism social evolution survival of the fittest theory of evolution

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There was no epigenesis in the case of giraffes’ long necks nor in more than 99% of the workings of natural selection in other contexts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

That was assumed to be the result of a natural selection.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

The theoretical approach, which studies human behavior, cognition and emotions as products of natural selection, depicts relationship formation as sales-like, highly gendered and strategy-based.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

Under this view, mutations are usually neither helpful nor harmful, allowing them to spread quietly without being strongly favored or rejected by natural selection.

From Science Daily • Dec. 24, 2025

In the book, Charles was trying to make a strong, coherent, cogent argument for creation by natural selection.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman