Mechanism of Natural Selection

The mechanism of natural selection is a process that can be divided into five sub-processes. These are the subprocesses that play an important role in the Evolution process. Sub-processes might not be any specific process, but they have importance in natural selection. That is why they are accepted as a step in natural selection. The mechanism process of natural selection is termed the VISTA process. The processes involved are:

Variation (V)

Natural selection is not the beginning of the variation process. It is an integrated mechanism that acts upon existing variations within species. Variations arise primarily from genetic mutations and environmental changes. These variations can lead to the emergence of different subspecies within a species. Variation is crucial because it sets the stage for natural selection. When a species possesses numerous variations, competition for survival increases, especially in challenging and harsh environments. This competition initiates the natural selection process

Inheritance (I)

Now, this process marks the beginning of natural selection. As competition among various variations increases, there arises a need for species to acquire new traits to survive in their challenging environment. Through the collective efforts of the species, new traits are acquired. However, this isn’t the end of the process; these acquired traits need to be passed on to the next generation. This transfer occurs through the inheritance process. Any new trait gained by the species must be inherited by the next generation to continue the subsequent steps of natural selection.

Also Read: Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance

Selection (S)

This is the core process of the natural selection process. When a species acquires a new trait, this process begins. It signifies the species’ readiness to face nature’s challenges. Now, it is the time to prove the fittest to survive. Among the variations within the species, those inheriting advantageous traits stand a chance to survive in nature, while others may go extinct. This is the selection process of nature. This is the main vital step among all of these steps.

Time (T)

This phase is not seen as a direct part of natural selection. The term “Time step” simply refers to a normal period. During this time, surviving species have a chance to stabilize. Following the selection process, where many variations vanish from nature, a period is allowed for them to stabilize. This timeframe can span millions of year

Adaptation (A)

Now, as species survive in nature and spend considerable time in harsh environments, it’s crucial to adapt to changes. This means that inherited traits are adopted by the species. This ensures the next generation carries traits vital for survival in nature for millions of years. These adaptations help them endure harsh conditions and may lead to significant changes, possibly evolving into entirely new forms. This process, known as natural selection, is the fundamental mechanism driving evolution, shaping the diversity of life on Earth.

Also Read: What is Adaptation?

Natural selection theory explains how traits that enhance an organism’s survival and reproduction become more common in a population over time. This theory explains the process of evolution. Understanding the types of natural selection and its mechanism helps in learning how various environmental pressures shape the evolution and adaptation of species over time. In this article, we will read about natural selection theory in detail.