Artificial Selection

This dog is a miniature schnauzer. It's an example of artificial selection because it was specifically bred apart from the standard schnauzer for its smaller size.

Artificial selection is the intentional breeding of traits. The term “artificial selection” was first used by naturalist Charles Darwin, to distinguish the process from natural selection, in which organisms develop naturally to adapt to a particular environment. This artificial selection is practiced to encourage human influence in the development of plants and animals and to acquire a desired characteristic or function. The conflict that arises with this form of breeding is the susceptibility to disease or environmental changes and the extinction of the stronger natural species. Examples: livestock bred to increase meat production, thouroughbred animals, flowers bred for a specific color.