Ok, First off stop being so serious about The theory of Natural Selection... ya things happen over time... but how do you know there isn't aliens somewhere out there that are able to evolve with the power of thought... =p
InsaneAnomalyJoin Date: 2002-05-13Member: 605Members, Super Administrators, Forum Admins, NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, NS2 Developer, Constellation, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue, NS2 Map Tester, Subnautica Developer, Pistachionauts, Future Perfect Developer
Yes, Darwinian Natural Selection isn't actually occurring in the game.
However, it's an evocative name for a game featuring "evolving" creatures, fights over resources and the struggle to survive. It doesn't have to be 100% accurate or literal, it just has to give people an idea about the themes of the game. Besides, it's a pretty well established brand at this point, so we'd be mad to change it.
<!--quoteo(post=0:date=:name=Asraniel)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Asraniel)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Natural selection is evolution. Or can you explain me the difference?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Evolution is the change populations undergo over time. Natural selection is one mechanism by which it can occur. Aliens choosing their own upgrades and evolutionary path would actually be artificial selection and not natural selection, because their evolutionary path isn't determined by natural processes.
puzlThe Old FirmJoin Date: 2003-02-26Member: 14029Retired Developer, NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, Constellation
<!--quoteo(post=1783697:date=Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM:name=PsympleJester)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (PsympleJester @ Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783697"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Really... How can you think its poorly titled...?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> Because it is. It's not important either way, it's just a name of a game, but from a strict definition of the term, it does not fit the game.
<!--quoteo(post=1783697:date=Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM:name=PsympleJester)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (PsympleJester @ Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783697"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Natural Selection. Species evolving to best survive their current predators/prey and enviroment.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> Where did you get this definition?
<!--quoteo(post=1783697:date=Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM:name=PsympleJester)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (PsympleJester @ Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783697"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->However in this game we see in the case of the kharaa that they evolve at an increadably accelerated rate. Like the film evolution were the aliens change from growths to modern man in about a week?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> Yes, no doubt, evolution is occuring, but Natural Selection is a very specific process that requires successive generations so that traits can become dominant due to the reproductive advantage they bestow on the individual that possesses them. Natural Selection IS NOT the same thing as evolution.
<!--quoteo(post=1783697:date=Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM:name=PsympleJester)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (PsympleJester @ Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783697"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->In this case map and marines tactics/equipment.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> And tactics/equipment is definitely not Natural Selection.
<!--quoteo(post=1783697:date=Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM:name=PsympleJester)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (PsympleJester @ Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783697"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Early game kharaa evolve silence/celerity/focus as skulk or to a lerk in small maps with lots of vents... Because this is a good way to survive and kill marines. Kharaa that get worse upgrades such as adrenaline (without only one hive) die...<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> Yes, the bacterium and hive mind can develop new traits quickly through an accelerated process of evolution, but this IS NOT natural selection in action.
<!--quoteo(post=1783697:date=Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM:name=PsympleJester)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (PsympleJester @ Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783697"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Also, natural selection teaches us that two identical animals placed in the same situations adapt differently sometimes<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> Are you talking about the behaviour of identical twins here or something? I don't get the points. Natural Selection intrinsically requires differences in the genotype of individuals competing for it to occur.
Just please be aware that Evolution is not the same thing as Natural Selection. Natural Selection is how Darwin explained Evolution before DNA was understood. Now we know there are other processes involved, including mutation, retroviral DNA action etc. Natural Selection is a very specific process that does not occur to any notable degree in the NS game. Go read the wikipedia page for a basic introduction: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_selection" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_selection</a>
<!--quoteo(post=1783678:date=Jul 26 2010, 01:42 PM:name=puzl)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (puzl @ Jul 26 2010, 01:42 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783678"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Okay, well if you use the term loosely and apply concepts of upgrading tech and lifeforms then the name is somewhat fitting, but from a strict Darwinian definition of the term Natural Selection or Survival of the Fittest, no such process is occurring within the game.
Natural Selection is a <b>very specific</b> process where individuals within a species gain a reproductive advantage over other individuals of the same species.
Natural Selection is not the same thing as evolution. Evolution <i>can</i> involve Natural Selection but isn't a requirement for it and Natural Selection can also occur outside of evolution. For example, heritable traits such as eye colour or hair length may be selected over time because they provide a reproductive advantage without actually providing a competitive advantage for survival.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Wouldn't hair length and eye colour be selected for over time generally by sexual selection, not natural selection?
Isn't it also rather fair to say that evolution is simply the changing frequency of alleles in a population, which is guided by selection be it natural, sexual, kin or otherwise?
I am studying biology, and I am just saying: Survival of the <b>fittest</b>, as mentioned in some earlier posts. As much as I want to link NS to biology, I don't think I can. Natural-Selection (biology) is not about shooting aliens to make your race survive and evolve. Please don't link Natural-Selection (biology) to some marines equipped with high tech guns... so if you kill all aliens, they died because of Natural-Selection (biology)? Natural-Selection about the <b>NATURE</b> itself selecting who is fit for survival and who is not, and not the hmg, shotgun, pistol or whatever.
<!--quoteo(post=1783651:date=Jul 26 2010, 03:20 PM:name=ZimbuTheMonkey)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ZimbuTheMonkey @ Jul 26 2010, 03:20 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783651"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I hear ya, it's inaccurately titled. There's no inter-species competition in the game, unless you count people yelling at newbies.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Well Natural Selection and inherently the "survival of the fittest" is a major paradigm in how the scientificly minded person looks at life. Charles Darwin has a suitable quote for this, which could well be written in big neon letters over the entrance to every ready room ;->
"<!--coloro:#FFFF00--><span style="color:#FFFF00"><!--/coloro-->In the struggle for survival, the fittest win out at the expense of their rivals because they succeed in adapting themselves best to their environment.<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->" Charles Darwin
puzlThe Old FirmJoin Date: 2003-02-26Member: 14029Retired Developer, NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, Constellation
Yes, you are correct about hair length and eye colour, that's the point I was trying to make actually.
I'm not sure about your second statement. What you describe is variation over time due to Natural Selection, and it is certainly a large part of it but there are other concepts like mutation and speciation invovled too.
puzlThe Old FirmJoin Date: 2003-02-26Member: 14029Retired Developer, NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, Constellation
On the darwin quote: "In the struggle for survival, the fittest win out at the expense of their rivals because they succeed in adapting themselves best to their environment."
This is about intra-species competition. He is specifically talking about the shapes of beaks on certain islands in the Gallapegos with this quote and how, small differences in diet on different islands lead to variation in beak shape and length. In Natural Selection/Survival of the Fittest the rivals are the other members of an individuals species and the prize is to pass your genes onto the next generation.
If I have learned one thing about this game, anything in the backstory or for a design decision comes from the nanite foundations of the game. Title included.
AsranielJoin Date: 2002-06-03Member: 724Members, Playtest Lead, Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue, Reinforced - Shadow, WC 2013 - Shadow, Subnautica Playtester, Retired Community Developer
so whatever sulk survived a ns game will have offspring that will carry those winner genes. Thats why the onos in ns2 has more armor plates, because over time the onoses (?) with most armor plates survived and had childred that again had a little more armor plates :) natural selection
puzlThe Old FirmJoin Date: 2003-02-26Member: 14029Retired Developer, NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, Constellation
<!--quoteo(post=1783737:date=Jul 26 2010, 03:26 PM:name=Zyerro)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Zyerro @ Jul 26 2010, 03:26 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783737"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I can't believe on how people are over thinking the title... =/ Really guys.. really?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Then why bother reply? This discussion is not important at all. It's the name of a game and it doesn't matter why it was picked, or what it means, or how it is inaccurate. However, the point was raised by the OP and some of us are simply agreeing with him. I don't know why some people are so defensive.. nobody is saying even the slightest negative thing about the game.
<!--quoteo(post=1783736:date=Jul 26 2010, 04:24 PM:name=puzl)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (puzl @ Jul 26 2010, 04:24 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783736"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->On the darwin quote: "In the struggle for survival, the fittest win out at the expense of their rivals because they succeed in adapting themselves best to their environment."
This is about intra-species competition. He is specifically talking about the shapes of beaks on certain islands in the Gallapegos with this quote and how, small differences in diet on different islands lead to variation in beak shape and length. In Natural Selection/Survival of the Fittest the rivals are the other members of an individuals species and the prize is to pass your genes onto the next generation.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> Not necessarily limmited only to intra-species competition. Â Have a look at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cane_toad" target="_blank">Cane toad </a> , to see how the inter-species struggle for living-space can go.....
And no, we are not taking this too seriously.... just passing time till alpha ;-)
Kouji_SanSr. Hινε UÏкεεÏεг - EUPT DeputyThe NetherlandsJoin Date: 2003-05-13Member: 16271Members, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue
Intelligent Design then, because there is a clear intellect behind the tech-up of the TSA and bio-up of the Khaara?
Oh wait there's already a mod/game out there with that name, how's that one doing anyways, hrm it died? <a href="http://www.moddb.com/mods/intelligent-design" target="_blank">http://www.moddb.com/mods/intelligent-design</a>
<!--quoteo(post=1783644:date=Jul 26 2010, 09:10 AM:name=wacko76)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (wacko76 @ Jul 26 2010, 09:10 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783644"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Why is the game called "Natural Selection". As far as I can see, there is NO natural selection in it..<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Here is my take on it: The Aliens can evolve from one for to another to adapt to situations.
Also, the fight between the Kharaa and the Frontiersmen has only one way out: the annihilation of one faction: the stronger will survive.
So, in different ways, Natural Selection is present in this fine game.
<!--quoteo(post=1783733:date=Jul 26 2010, 02:21 PM:name=puzl)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (puzl @ Jul 26 2010, 02:21 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783733"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Yes, you are correct about hair length and eye colour, that's the point I was trying to make actually.
I'm not sure about your second statement. What you describe is variation over time due to Natural Selection, and it is certainly a large part of it but there are other concepts like mutation and speciation invovled too.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I misunderstood and thought you were mislabelling sexual selection as natural selection.
Its people like this, the OP that is, that you just know, that when they get the game and play it will have over a billion problems with it, just picking and picking at the game. FFS just play the game and be happy
<!--quoteo(post=1783824:date=Jul 26 2010, 05:54 PM:name=m0nk3y511)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (m0nk3y511 @ Jul 26 2010, 05:54 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783824"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Its people like this, the OP that is, that you just know, that when they get the game and play it will have over a billion problems with it, just picking and picking at the game. FFS just play the game and be happy<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Ah, now that's just unfair.
I actually wanted to reply to a lot of posts, but then other people replied and brought up many points I was about to mention or explain, like mutation, genetic drift, sexual selection and others. By then the thread had it's own dynamic.
Even if the devs keep the name, I will be happy to have caused some people to think about or maybe even read up on evolution and other related topics. This is a very important topic since, and I will use these words as my final statement, Theodosius Dobzhansky said:
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Nothing in Biology makes sense, except in the light of evolution<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--quoteo(post=1783728:date=Jul 26 2010, 10:16 AM:name=Sturmwind)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Sturmwind @ Jul 26 2010, 10:16 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783728"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Well Natural Selection and inherently the "survival of the fittest" is a major paradigm in how the scientificly minded person looks at life. Charles Darwin has a suitable quote for this, which could well be written in big neon letters over the entrance to every ready room ;->
"<!--coloro:#FFFF00--><span style="color:#FFFF00"><!--/coloro-->In the struggle for survival, the fittest win out at the expense of their rivals because they succeed in adapting themselves best to their environment.<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->" Charles Darwin<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
You don't get any cookies for taking a Darwin quote out of context, because if what your quote says is all there is to natural selection... then any game of bad company 2 is a textbook example.
<!--quoteo(post=1783736:date=Jul 26 2010, 09:24 AM:name=puzl)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (puzl @ Jul 26 2010, 09:24 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783736"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->This is about intra-species competition. He is specifically talking about the shapes of beaks on certain islands in the Gallapegos with this quote and how, small differences in diet on different islands lead to variation in beak shape and length. In Natural Selection/Survival of the Fittest the rivals are the other members of an individuals species and the prize is to pass your genes onto the next generation.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> What sort of noise is this, you are completely wrong. Natural Selection applies to any survival game, intra- or inter-species. Drawing a line at the species boundary is not what Darwin had in mind, nor is it wise, since this line is easily faded: homo sapiens is a different species than the other homos we extinguished, yet according to your narrow (and completely wrong) definition it is not natural selection.
As others have said, Natural Selection is simply the selection of a group of replicable traits (genes) over others based on fitness to survive and adapt to the environment. Since this is <b>exactly</b> what is happening in NS, it is more than aptly named and OP really has no point (and contrary to his claim, most biologists would facepalm at his objections, most anyone really).
Comments
Nanites<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
this.
Rapid deterioration detected, activating jetpacks.
<img src="http://technabob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/jet_lev_jet_pack.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
However, it's an evocative name for a game featuring "evolving" creatures, fights over resources and the struggle to survive. It doesn't have to be 100% accurate or literal, it just has to give people an idea about the themes of the game. Besides, it's a pretty well established brand at this point, so we'd be mad to change it.
<!--quoteo(post=0:date=:name=Asraniel)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Asraniel)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Natural selection is evolution. Or can you explain me the difference?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Evolution is the change populations undergo over time. Natural selection is one mechanism by which it can occur. Aliens choosing their own upgrades and evolutionary path would actually be artificial selection and not natural selection, because their evolutionary path isn't determined by natural processes.
How can you think its poorly titled...?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Because it is. It's not important either way, it's just a name of a game, but from a strict definition of the term, it does not fit the game.
<!--quoteo(post=1783697:date=Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM:name=PsympleJester)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (PsympleJester @ Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783697"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Natural Selection.
Species evolving to best survive their current predators/prey and enviroment.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Where did you get this definition?
<!--quoteo(post=1783697:date=Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM:name=PsympleJester)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (PsympleJester @ Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783697"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->However in this game we see in the case of the kharaa that they evolve at an increadably accelerated rate. Like the film evolution were the aliens change from growths to modern man in about a week?<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Yes, no doubt, evolution is occuring, but Natural Selection is a very specific process that requires successive generations so that traits can become dominant due to the reproductive advantage they bestow on the individual that possesses them. Natural Selection IS NOT the same thing as evolution.
<!--quoteo(post=1783697:date=Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM:name=PsympleJester)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (PsympleJester @ Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783697"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->In this case map and marines tactics/equipment.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
And tactics/equipment is definitely not Natural Selection.
<!--quoteo(post=1783697:date=Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM:name=PsympleJester)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (PsympleJester @ Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783697"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Early game kharaa evolve silence/celerity/focus as skulk or to a lerk in small maps with lots of vents...
Because this is a good way to survive and kill marines.
Kharaa that get worse upgrades such as adrenaline (without only one hive) die...<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Yes, the bacterium and hive mind can develop new traits quickly through an accelerated process of evolution, but this IS NOT natural selection in action.
<!--quoteo(post=1783697:date=Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM:name=PsympleJester)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (PsympleJester @ Jul 26 2010, 02:56 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1783697"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Also, natural selection teaches us that two identical animals placed in the same situations adapt differently sometimes<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Are you talking about the behaviour of identical twins here or something? I don't get the points. Natural Selection intrinsically requires differences in the genotype of individuals competing for it to occur.
Just please be aware that Evolution is not the same thing as Natural Selection. Natural Selection is how Darwin explained Evolution before DNA was understood. Now we know there are other processes involved, including mutation, retroviral DNA action etc. Natural Selection is a very specific process that does not occur to any notable degree in the NS game. Go read the wikipedia page for a basic introduction: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_selection" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_selection</a>
Natural Selection is a <b>very specific</b> process where individuals within a species gain a reproductive advantage over other individuals of the same species.
Natural Selection is not the same thing as evolution. Evolution <i>can</i> involve Natural Selection but isn't a requirement for it and Natural Selection can also occur outside of evolution. For example, heritable traits such as eye colour or hair length may be selected over time because they provide a reproductive advantage without actually providing a competitive advantage for survival.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Wouldn't hair length and eye colour be selected for over time generally by sexual selection, not natural selection?
Isn't it also rather fair to say that evolution is simply the changing frequency of alleles in a population, which is guided by selection be it natural, sexual, kin or otherwise?
Well Natural Selection and inherently the "survival of the fittest" is a major paradigm in how the scientificly minded person looks at life.
Charles Darwin has a suitable quote for this, which could well be written in big neon letters over the entrance to every ready room ;->
"<!--coloro:#FFFF00--><span style="color:#FFFF00"><!--/coloro-->In the struggle for survival, the fittest win out at the expense of their rivals because they succeed in adapting themselves best to their environment.<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->"
Charles Darwin
I'm not sure about your second statement. What you describe is variation over time due to Natural Selection, and it is certainly a large part of it but there are other concepts like mutation and speciation invovled too.
This is about intra-species competition. He is specifically talking about the shapes of beaks on certain islands in the Gallapegos with this quote and how, small differences in diet on different islands lead to variation in beak shape and length. In Natural Selection/Survival of the Fittest the rivals are the other members of an individuals species and the prize is to pass your genes onto the next generation.
If I have learned one thing about this game, anything in the backstory or for a design decision comes from the nanite foundations of the game. Title included.
Then why bother reply? This discussion is not important at all. It's the name of a game and it doesn't matter why it was picked, or what it means, or how it is inaccurate. However, the point was raised by the OP and some of us are simply agreeing with him. I don't know why some people are so defensive.. nobody is saying even the slightest negative thing about the game.
This is about intra-species competition. He is specifically talking about the shapes of beaks on certain islands in the Gallapegos with this quote and how, small differences in diet on different islands lead to variation in beak shape and length. In Natural Selection/Survival of the Fittest the rivals are the other members of an individuals species and the prize is to pass your genes onto the next generation.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Not necessarily limmited only to intra-species competition. Â Have a look at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cane_toad" target="_blank">Cane toad </a> , to see how the inter-species struggle for living-space can go.....
And no, we are not taking this too seriously.... just passing time till alpha ;-)
Oh wait there's already a mod/game out there with that name, how's that one doing anyways, hrm it died?
<a href="http://www.moddb.com/mods/intelligent-design" target="_blank">http://www.moddb.com/mods/intelligent-design</a>
sitelink is yucky now :/
Here is my take on it: The Aliens can evolve from one for to another to adapt to situations.
Also, the fight between the Kharaa and the Frontiersmen has only one way out: the annihilation of one faction: the stronger will survive.
So, in different ways, Natural Selection is present in this fine game.
I'm not sure about your second statement. What you describe is variation over time due to Natural Selection, and it is certainly a large part of it but there are other concepts like mutation and speciation invovled too.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I misunderstood and thought you were mislabelling sexual selection as natural selection.
Ah, now that's just unfair.
I actually wanted to reply to a lot of posts, but then other people replied and brought up many points I was about to mention or explain, like mutation, genetic drift, sexual selection and others. By then the thread had it's own dynamic.
Even if the devs keep the name, I will be happy to have caused some people to think about or maybe even read up on evolution and other related topics. This is a very important topic since, and I will use these words as my final statement, Theodosius Dobzhansky said:
<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Nothing in Biology makes sense, except in the light of evolution<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Charles Darwin has a suitable quote for this, which could well be written in big neon letters over the entrance to every ready room ;->
"<!--coloro:#FFFF00--><span style="color:#FFFF00"><!--/coloro-->In the struggle for survival, the fittest win out at the expense of their rivals because they succeed in adapting themselves best to their environment.<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->"
Charles Darwin<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
You don't get any cookies for taking a Darwin quote out of context, because if what your quote says is all there is to natural selection... then any game of bad company 2 is a textbook example.
What sort of noise is this, you are completely wrong. Natural Selection applies to any survival game, intra- or inter-species. Drawing a line at the species boundary is not what Darwin had in mind, nor is it wise, since this line is easily faded: homo sapiens is a different species than the other homos we extinguished, yet according to your narrow (and completely wrong) definition it is not natural selection.
As others have said, Natural Selection is simply the selection of a group of replicable traits (genes) over others based on fitness to survive and adapt to the environment. Since this is <b>exactly</b> what is happening in NS, it is more than aptly named and OP really has no point (and contrary to his claim, most biologists would facepalm at his objections, most anyone really).