survival of the fittest

"Survival of the fittest" is a concept from evolutionary theory, often associated with Charles Darwin. It means that individuals or species best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. "Fittest" doesn't necessarily mean the strongest; it refers to the best suited for a particular context—like being faster, more resilient, or better at finding food. Over time, these advantageous traits become more common in the population, leading to evolution. This process explains how species change and adapt over generations in response to environmental challenges.