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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Natural Selection and Evolution?

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The main difference between natural selection and evolution lies in their definitions and the processes they describe. Here are the key distinctions:

  • Evolution: This refers to a gradual change in the inherited traits of a population over many generations. It encompasses the idea that species change and adapt over time, often due to natural selection and other factors such as genetic drift, gene flow, and mutations.
  • Natural Selection: This is a specific mechanism or cause of evolution. It is the process by which the members of a population best suited to their environment have the best chance of surviving and passing on their genes. Natural selection favors traits that are beneficial in a specific environment, and over many generations, these traits become more prevalent in the population.

In summary, evolution is the broader concept of species changing and adapting over time, while natural selection is a specific mechanism that contributes to this change by favoring beneficial traits in a population.

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  • What is the Difference Between Natural Selection and Evolution?
  • Comparative Table: Natural Selection vs Evolution

    • Comparative Table: Natural Selection vs Evolution

    Here is a table comparing the key differences between natural selection and evolution:

    Feature Natural Selection Evolution
    Definition A mechanism or cause of evolution, where certain heritable traits become more prevalent in a population based on their contribution to the organism's survival and reproduction. The process of gradual change in genetic makeup and phenotypic characteristics of a species over successive generations, including the development of new species.
    Mechanism Acts on existing heritable variation, needing variation to be passed on to offspring. Involves cumulative changes in gene frequencies over time, often due to natural selection and genetic drift.
    Information Reduces or redistributes pre-existing genetic information. Requires a mechanism for a gain of information, which has never been observed.
    Boundaries Adaptations remain within the boundaries of the created kinds. New species emerge from existing ones.

    Please note that the viewpoints expressed in the table are based on the provided search results, which may not represent all perspectives on the topic.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.