Results for “natural selection”

natural selection

Term introduced by Charles Darwin referring to the nonrandom mechanism of evolution by which certain biological traits become either more or less common in a population due to differential, environmentally-influenced reproduction. Better-adapted individuals tend to produce more offspring, thus the population evolves, and this process can result in populations that gradually become specialised to inhabit particular ecological niches and can eventually result in the emergence of new species.

Darwinism

Used here on SF in reference to the theory of biological evolution whereby evolution occurs by a process of natural selection thus ensuring survival of the fittest. Includes some theories unconnected with the work of Charles Darwin and has been applied to a range of different philosophies over time, however.

ecotype

A distinct population of a species adapted to occupy a particular habitat due to localised natural selection.

xanthic

Having a yellow or golden colour; a desirable and selectively-bred mutation in certain ornamental fishes but can also occur naturally.

Used in 5 profiles

xanthochromic

Of a yellow or golden colour; a desirable and selectively-bred mutation in certain ornamental fishes but can also occur naturally.