What is Natural Selection?

Natural Selection is one of the main concepts found within the theory of evolution. It was discovered by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace though Darwin championed the idea in his book "On the Origin of Species".

Natural selection can be defined as the process by which random evolutionary changes are selected for by nature in a consistent, orderly, non-random way.

When coupled with descent with modification, Natural Selection can cause a population to evolve for fitness within a given environment over multiple generations.

Natural Selection is an observable fact. By carefully observing populations of living things with short life cycles you can actually watch it happen.

Want to learn more? Check out our notes for this video. Included are links to three examples of natural selection witnessed by researchers. There are many more as well.

[camrynmallernee]

can we just take a minute to appreciate the clean and entertaining illustrations and animation in this video? i just watched this for my class and I surprisingly didn't get bored

[jaedenmenuey]

Big shouts to my science teacher for just giving us this vid

[pvbgoodman]

As a high school science teacher, I thought this was very well done--clear, concise, good use of graphics, and an authoritative, yet not condescending, tone.  Great job!

[khusi]

cant belive there is someone out there who can explain things so perfectly and magnificently, thank you so much for the video, it really means a lot

been always confused about the term "natural selection". finally I got it. nature selects who gets to survive and reproduce. Thank you so much.

[pax]

(Bug is born brown in a green place)
Bug: Yay I'm unique
Natural selection: im about to end this mans whole career

[cakeslayer]

Every educatinal video ever:
their comment section: AnY oNe ElSe HeRe FrOm ZoOm

[toomanyfandoms]

howdy fellow quarantine schoolchildren

shoutout to mrs smith for assigning this, if you're reading this I watched it and all your loom videos on 1.5x speed while listening to foreigner and scrolling through tumblr on my phone. tbh i'm surprised i'm not failing your class. although we have one more assignment so that could still happen.

[Turkey]

my bio teacher really should use these videos. i actually understand this.

[mmstrong]

I am teaching high school Biology in Thailand (I am a native English speaker from the US) and these videos have GREATLY helped me. Thank you SO SO much for posting! :)

[clandestineman]

I see 6 types of provoking comments here:
-Funnies
-Genuine questions
-God did it!
-How man come from rock???
-You stupid, Nature smart!
-Why dog stay dog? WHY DOG STAY DOG???

[brandmarcelIS]

I recently discovered your YouTube channel, Stated Clearly, and wanted to reach out to express my admiration and gratitude for the incredible work you’re doing. As someone who isn’t a native English speaker, I’m amazed by how clearly and simply you explain complex biology concepts. Your dedication to establishing foundational ideas and reinforcing key terms makes your videos accessible to everyone, even when the topics are challenging. Watching your video on natural selection this morning was a true "aha!" moment. Although I've studied this concept in several psychology courses, I always found it difficult to fully explain. Your video made it so clear and straightforward; it felt like everything finally clicked into place.

First and foremost, thank you for your amazing videos and the hard work you put into making science accessible. Not only have I learned more about biology, but I’ve also picked up new English terms and scientific concepts, thanks to your approach.

Secondly, I want to encourage you to continue creating these fantastic videos. I can only imagine the time and effort it takes – simplifying complex topics, adding supportive visuals, choosing animations that reinforce understanding, and providing such authentic examples. Every aspect of your content is engaging, thought-provoking, and leaves a lasting impression. Not to mention that your calm and soothing voice makes even the most complex subjects approachable, almost like a meditation.

I noticed you haven’t uploaded new videos recently, only links to other resources. If there’s any hesitation, I hope this message serves as a reminder of the positive impact you’ve made on so many of us. Your work is loved and appreciated by viewers worldwide, and we’d love to see more of your unique, insightful content in the future.

[RealSamuelGibson]

Who else had their teacher send them here for homework?

[heyitswilliamafton]

who else is watching this bc its an assignment in

[matthewtheobald]

dude those poor green bugs just watched their two siblings and mother die right in front of them

[anneldest]

I must be honest. This was assigned to me to watch and I didn't get bored. Very rare for a teacher to make us watch a video that doesn't make me fall asleep. Nice job. I hope my teacher uses more of your videos. New subscriber.

[Pokquib]

I am a biology teacher and I love your videos for my kids they are very simple and accurate and the kids enjoy the laughs! Please continue to make them so I can match them up with future units! Let me know how we can help!

[shoulder_princess]

Thank you for this awesome video!! I’m a Japanese high school student. We watched this in our English class together!! It’s stated clearly so we could understand well :)

[mr.potato]

I must know: Is suicide considered natural selection?

[ConfidentlyGrim]

This explains natural selection extremely well.