Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

negative-selection

Noun

/ˈnɛɡətɪv sɪˈlekʃən/

Definition

Negative selection refers to a process in which certain undesirable traits or characteristics are eliminated from a population, usually through natural or competitive means.

Examples

Negative selection plays a critical role in ensuring that harmful mutations do not get passed on to future generations.
In the context of immunology, negative selection is essential for eliminating self-reactive cells that could lead to autoimmune diseases.
The process of negative selection can be observed in breeding programs where only the healthiest animals are chosen for reproduction.

Meaning

The concept of negative selection is often used in biological contexts, particularly in evolutionary theory, to describe how specific traits are selected against, leading to their reduction or removal over time.