A theory devised independently by Darwin and Wallace and which through its integration with population genetics became the backbone of the Modern synthesis. In general, it a process by which gene frequencies in a population change as a consequence of certain individuals being able to produce more descendants than others because they are better able to survive and reproduce in their environment. It is a slow process that relies on random genetic variation being produced by mutations and genetic recombination, and its accumulated effect is to produce adaptations. Subsequently, four types of selection were recognized.
See Adaptation, Baldwin effect, Biological evolution, Convergent evolution, Copying errors, Darwinism, Diachronic biology, Evolutionary biology, Evolutionary niche theory, Exponential change, Fisher’s theory of evolutionary mimicry, Function, Genetic assimilation, Genetic drift (or random walk), Genetic (or DNA) recombination, Geology, Lamarckism, Modern synthesis, Modern synthesis, Mutation (biology), Natural selection, Neo-Darwinism, Polymorphism, Population genetics, Tautology