I see many people are using the term “natural selection” lately, but i never understood it (fyi i am not a native speaker) to me it just seems like people are just trying to act smart by mentioning this term (with no context). Please, explain like im 5

Question

I see many people are using the term “natural selection” lately, but i never understood it (fyi i am not a native speaker) to me it just seems like people are just trying to act smart by mentioning this term (with no context). Please, explain like im 5

In: Biology

Answer 1

Natural selection is the basic process of evolution broken down into a generational perspective.

Basically:

Each individual is different. Some are stronger, faster, smarter, whatever.

In the wild, the individuals who are least suited to survive are the most likely to die off.

Whatever is left is “naturally selected” to pass on their genes to the next generation, allowing for more of the species to possess the beneficial traits that help them survive.