Natural Selection - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor

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Natural selection is a biological process where organisms that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. This means that their traits, or characteristics, are passed on to the next generation. Over time, natural selection can lead to changes in the species, as advantageous traits become more common. For example, a better-camouflaged animal might avoid predators more easily and have more offspring, who inherit this camouflage. Natural selection is a key mechanism of evolution and explains how species change over time to become better adapted to their habitats.

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Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewer: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

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