Natural Selection vs. Artificial Selection: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 18, 2023
Natural selection is nature-driven evolution; artificial selection is human-directed breeding.
Key Differences
Natural selection and artificial selection are both mechanisms by which species change over time, but they have distinct drivers.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Natural selection is a process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more than less adapted organisms, leading to evolutionary changes. Artificial selection, on the other hand, involves humans intentionally breeding certain organisms with desired traits.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
natural selection is governed by the pressures of the environment and results in adaptations beneficial for survival, artificial selection is driven by human preferences and can lead to traits that might not necessarily be advantageous in a wild setting.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
In essence, while natural selection is a passive process where nature determines the fittest, artificial selection is an active process where humans decide which traits are preferable.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
It's important to understand that both natural selection and artificial selection can significantly shape the characteristics of populations, but the underlying motivations and mechanisms of the two processes differ substantially.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Outcome
Traits beneficial for survival in wild environments.
Traits that humans find desirable or beneficial.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Speed of Change
Generally slower, spans many generations.
Can be rapid with intensive breeding practices.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
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Natural Selection and Artificial Selection Definitions
Natural Selection
The process where organisms better adapted to their environment outlive others.
Natural selection favored birds with larger beaks during the drought.
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Oct 18, 2023
Artificial Selection
Purposeful breeding to accentuate or eliminate traits.
Through artificial selection, roses were bred for more vibrant colors.
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Oct 18, 2023
Natural Selection
Survival and reproduction determined by adaptability.
Natural selection ensured that only the fastest cheetahs caught enough prey.
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Oct 18, 2023
Artificial Selection
Breeding organisms to produce desired traits.
Through artificial selection, farmers developed seedless watermelons.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Natural Selection
Evolutionary changes driven by environmental pressures.
Through natural selection, certain fish developed camouflage to blend in with their surroundings.
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Oct 18, 2023
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Artificial Selection
Manipulating an organism's genetics for specific outcomes.
Artificial selection in agriculture has given us high-yielding crop varieties.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Natural Selection
Nature's way of refining species over generations.
Natural selection led to the development of complex eyes in many animals.
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Oct 18, 2023
Artificial Selection
Human-driven selection of organismal traits.
Artificial selection led to the wide variety of dog breeds we have today.
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Oct 18, 2023
Natural Selection
The mechanism behind the survival of the fittest.
Natural selection played a role in the woolly mammoth's extinction.
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Oct 18, 2023
Artificial Selection
Humans guiding the evolution of domestic species.
Artificial selection has made farm chickens larger over the decades.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
FAQs
Can artificial selection produce rapid changes?
Yes, artificial selection can lead to rapid trait changes with intensive breeding.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Are all domesticated species results of artificial selection?
Many, but not all. Many domesticated species have been shaped significantly by artificial selection.
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Oct 18, 2023
Is natural selection a fast process?
Generally, natural selection is a slower process spanning many generations.
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Oct 18, 2023
Can artificial selection occur without human intervention?
By definition, artificial selection requires human intentionality.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Can artificial selection lead to health problems in organisms?
Yes, some traits favored by artificial selection can result in health issues.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Does natural selection always lead to better organisms?
It leads to organisms better adapted to their current environment.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Is human evolution a result of natural selection?
Yes, humans have evolved through natural selection, among other processes.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Can traits bred through artificial selection be passed to offspring?
Yes, traits achieved through artificial selection can be hereditary.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Does natural selection have a purpose or goal?
No, it's a passive process without a predetermined goal.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Are there ethical concerns with artificial selection?
Yes, there can be ethical concerns, especially if it causes harm or suffering.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Can natural selection lead to new species?
Yes, over long periods, natural selection can contribute to speciation.
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Oct 18, 2023
Why do breeders use artificial selection?
To achieve specific desired traits in organisms.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
What's a common misconception about natural selection?
That it produces "perfect" organisms. It produces organisms adapted to their current environment.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
What drives natural selection?
Environmental pressures and survival drive natural selection.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Who or what decides traits in artificial selection?
Humans decide the traits in artificial selection based on preferences.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Does natural selection work only in the wild?
Predominantly, yes. Natural selection primarily affects wild populations.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Have humans affected the course of natural selection in other species?
Yes, through activities like habitat destruction and pollution, humans can influence natural selection.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Is artificial selection a modern concept?
No, humans have practiced artificial selection for thousands of years, especially in agriculture.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Do all traits favored by natural selection have obvious benefits?
Not always. Some benefits might be subtle or context-dependent.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Who coined the term "natural selection"?
Charles Darwin is credited with coining the term "natural selection."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
