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.

DA
Answered by Dara A. Biology tutor

81137 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the function of phospholipids in the human body


What enzymes are used in the process of DNA replication and what are they used for?


What are the important similarities and differences between RNA and DNA?


Describe how mRNA is produced in the nucleus of a cell.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning