Selection

Selection is the process by which certain elements are chosen from a larger set based on specific criteria. The concept appears in various domains—biology, computing, statistics, and information processing—often involving differential outcomes that favor some elements over others.

In biology, natural selection is a mechanism of evolution in which heritable traits influence differential survival and reproduction. It requires variation, heredity, and differential fitness, with environmental pressures shaping trait frequencies over generations. Over time, populations may adapt and, in some cases, diverge into new species. Classic examples include variations in beak shape among Darwin’s finches or antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

Humans also perform selection, known as artificial or selective breeding, to enhance desirable traits in crops, livestock, or other organisms. Through controlled mating and selection over many generations, domesticated species exhibit pronounced trait differences from their wild ancestors. This process has supported agriculture but can reduce genetic diversity and increase susceptibility to certain risks.

In computing and data science, selection appears in algorithms that choose elements to carry forward, such as selection mechanisms in genetic algorithms or sample selection in statistics. In machine learning, feature selection identifies a subset of relevant variables to improve model performance and reduce overfitting; methods include filter, wrapper, and embedded approaches.

In information technology and human–computer interaction, selection can refer to the user action of highlighting text, objects, or options, enabling further operations such as editing, copying, or processing.