What does natural selection mean in science terms?

Answer 1

It is meant to indicate the Darwinian model for evolution, as opposed to for instance the Lamarckian model. It would be true that evolution occurs and has occurred even without Darwin; but until Darwin, various explanations would have been possible for why and how it happens. Darwin first formulated the thesis that evolution is directed by differential reproductive success.

Answer 2

The process by which organisms that are better suited to their environment than others produce more offspring. As a result of natural selection, the proportion of organisms in a species with characteristics that are adaptive to a given environment increases with each generation. Therefore, natural selection modifies the originally random variation of genetic traits in a species so that alleles that are beneficial for survival predominate, while alleles that are not beneficial decrease. Originally proposed by Charles Darwin, natural selection forms the basis of the process of evolution.

Answer 3

It indicates a specific mechanism for evolution. Prior to Darwin's thesis, there were various ideas about how evolution might take place, including Lamarck's notion of traits acquired through habit. Darwin was one of the first to propose that evolution might occur through differential reproductive success, or natural selection. "Evolution through natural selection" is a phrase used to distinguish between the currently accepted mechanism for evolution and those prior or other alternative notions.

Answer 4

Natural selection is the nonrandom survival and reproductive success of randomly varying organisms against their immediate environment.