The survival of the fittest
phrase
In biology, it is a concept where only the most adapted to the environment survive and pass down their traits to future generations.
Natural selection ensures the survival of the fittest, as the strongest or most well-adapted organisms pass on their traits to the next generation.
Often appears as...
- natural selection
- survival of the fittest
Usage tips
Academic
phrase
In general context, it's a concept describing a situation where only the strongest or most capable individuals or things are able to succeed.
In the business world, it's often the survival of the fittest; only the companies that can adapt and innovate will thrive.
Often appears as...
- business competition
- survival of the fittest
phrase
In biology, it is a concept where only the most adapted to the environment survive and pass down their traits to future generations.
Natural selection ensures the survival of the fittest, as the strongest or most well-adapted organisms pass on their traits to the next generation.
Often appears as...
- natural selection
- survival of the fittest
Usage tips
Academic
phrase
In general context, it's a concept describing a situation where only the strongest or most capable individuals or things are able to succeed.
In the business world, it's often the survival of the fittest; only the companies that can adapt and innovate will thrive.
Often appears as...
- business competition
- survival of the fittest
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Origin
The phrase was popularized by Charles Darwin and applies to biological evolution.
Darwin's writings discussed 'the survival of the fittest' in shaping species.
Pro Tip 2/3Misinterpreted Meaning
It's commonly misunderstood as 'strongest' but actually means 'best adapted' to an environment.
Insects show 'the survival of the fittest' by developing resistance to pesticides.
Pro Tip 3/3Not About Morality
'Survival of the fittest' is a descriptive concept in biology, not a prescriptive moral guideline.
Observing a predator catch prey is 'the survival of the fittest' in action, not a moral judgment.
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Origin
The phrase was popularized by Charles Darwin and applies to biological evolution.
Darwin's writings discussed 'the survival of the fittest' in shaping species.
Pro Tip 2/3Misinterpreted Meaning
It's commonly misunderstood as 'strongest' but actually means 'best adapted' to an environment.
Insects show 'the survival of the fittest' by developing resistance to pesticides.
Pro Tip 3/3Not About Morality
'Survival of the fittest' is a descriptive concept in biology, not a prescriptive moral guideline.
Observing a predator catch prey is 'the survival of the fittest' in action, not a moral judgment.
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Origin
The phrase was popularized by Charles Darwin and applies to biological evolution.
Darwin's writings discussed 'the survival of the fittest' in shaping species.
Pro Tip 2/3Misinterpreted Meaning
It's commonly misunderstood as 'strongest' but actually means 'best adapted' to an environment.
Insects show 'the survival of the fittest' by developing resistance to pesticides.
Pro Tip 3/3Not About Morality
'Survival of the fittest' is a descriptive concept in biology, not a prescriptive moral guideline.
Observing a predator catch prey is 'the survival of the fittest' in action, not a moral judgment.
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