náttúruval

Náttúruval is an Icelandic term that translates to "natural selection." It refers to the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. This fundamental mechanism of evolution was famously described by Charles Darwin. In nature, individuals within a population exhibit variation in their traits. Some of these traits may confer an advantage in terms of survival, such as the ability to find food, evade predators, or withstand harsh conditions. Organisms possessing these advantageous traits are more likely to live long enough to reproduce and pass those traits on to their offspring. Conversely, individuals with less advantageous traits are less likely to survive and reproduce.

Over many generations, this differential survival and reproduction lead to a gradual shift in the characteristics of a population. Traits that enhance survival and reproduction become more common, while less beneficial traits become less common. This ongoing process drives adaptation, allowing species to evolve and thrive in diverse and changing environments. Náttúruval does not involve conscious choice or planning; it is a blind, undirected process driven by the interaction between organisms and their surroundings. The concept of náttúruval is a cornerstone of modern biology, explaining the incredible diversity of life on Earth and the remarkable ways in which organisms are suited to their ecological niches.