What is the difference between natural selection and evolution?

Evolution is a gradual change in the inherited traits of a population over many generations. 

Natural selection is a mechanism where the members of a population best suited to their environment have the best chance of surviving to pass on their genes. The natural environment selects for these members over others in the population. 

Over many generations, because more of the best suited members have been reproducing, the population all now have the trait that makes them better suited for the environment. 

This population has now evolved to better suit its environment, through the process of natural selection.

Answered by Dara A. Biology tutor

76077 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the process of allopatric speciation. How does this differ from sympatric speciation?


What are the main differences between eukaryotes and prokaryotes?


Prokaryotic DNA is smaller than eukaryotic. Please give two other ways prokaryotic DNA differs from eukaryotic.


Describe the steps of mitosis. (10 Marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences