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nmdcat.online July 14, 2026

What is the relationship between “natural selection” and “evolution”?

A. They are exact synonyms; there is no distinction between the two terms.
B. Natural selection is the only known mechanism by which evolution can occur.
C. Natural selection is a prominent mechanism that drives evolutionary change in populations over time.
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D. Evolution is a short-term process, while natural selection occurs only over millions of years.

📝 Explanation

Evolution is the broader phenomenon (descent with modification), whereas natural selection is one of the primary mechanisms (alongside drift, gene flow, mutation) that drive it.

📖 Additional Information

  • They are exact synonyms; there is no distinction between the two terms.
  • Natural selection is the only known mechanism by which evolution can occur.
  • Natural selection is a prominent mechanism that drives evolutionary change in populations over time.
  • Evolution is a short-term process, while natural selection occurs only over millions of years.

Evolution is the broader phenomenon (descent with modification), whereas natural selection is one of the primary mechanisms (alongside drift, gene flow, mutation) that drive it.

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