Natural selection

Definition

Natural selection is the process through which organisms that are better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully than those that are less well adapted. This concept challenges existing worldviews by suggesting that species evolve over time through gradual changes rather than remaining fixed, fundamentally altering the understanding of life and its development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural selection was popularized by Charles Darwin in the 19th century, especially through his work 'On the Origin of Species' published in 1859.
2. This concept revolutionized biology by providing a scientific explanation for the diversity of life and the process of evolution.
3. Natural selection operates on the principle that variations within species can lead to differing success rates in reproduction based on environmental pressures.
4. The idea of natural selection challenged traditional views, particularly those rooted in religious explanations of creation and fixed species.
5. It also laid the groundwork for further scientific advancements in genetics and ecology, influencing modern biological sciences.

Review Questions

• How does natural selection influence the evolution of species over time?
  • Natural selection influences evolution by favoring individuals with traits that enhance their ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. Over generations, these advantageous traits become more common within a population, leading to gradual changes in species. This process highlights how environmental pressures shape not just individual survival but also the overall genetic makeup of populations.
• Discuss the implications of natural selection on societal beliefs during the 19th century regarding human development and social order.
  • The implications of natural selection during the 19th century were profound, as it led to debates about human development and societal structures. Many began to apply Darwinian ideas to social contexts, which contributed to theories such as Social Darwinism. This perspective suggested that competition among individuals mirrored natural selection, influencing views on economics, race, and class structures. These ideas raised ethical concerns and challenged traditional beliefs about equality and morality.
• Evaluate how the concept of natural selection contributed to changing worldviews about life and existence in the context of scientific advancements during the 19th century.
  • The concept of natural selection fundamentally altered worldviews by providing a scientific framework for understanding life's complexity and diversity. It shifted perspectives from a static view of creation toward one where life is dynamic and constantly evolving. This change prompted a reevaluation of humanity's place in nature, emphasizing interconnectedness and adaptation. As scientific advancements progressed, natural selection became a cornerstone of biological sciences, reshaping philosophical inquiries into existence and humanity's role within the broader ecosystem.

Related terms

Evolution: The change in the heritable traits of biological populations over successive generations, driven by processes like natural selection.

Adaptation: The process by which a species becomes better suited to its environment, often as a result of natural selection.

Survival of the fittest: A phrase often associated with natural selection, referring to the idea that individuals best adapted to their environments are more likely to survive and reproduce.