Understanding Selection in Evolutionary Biology
In the context of evolutionary biology, "selection" refers to the process by which certain traits or characteristics are favored over others in a population. This can occur through various mechanisms, such as natural selection, genetic drift, or sexual selection.
"Selectional" is not a commonly used term in evolutionary biology, and it does not have a specific definition. However, based on the context in which you found the word, it appears to be a made-up term that is intended to describe the process of selection itself, rather than any specific aspect of selection.
In general, when discussing evolutionary biology, it is more common to use established terms such as "natural selection," "genetic drift," or "sexual selection" to describe the various mechanisms by which traits are selected for or against in a population. These terms have well-defined meanings and are widely used in the scientific literature.