Short Answer 
Genetic engineering involves intentionally altering an organism’s genetic material to achieve desired traits, such as disease resistance, whereas natural selection is a gradual process where beneficial traits become more common in a population due to survival advantages. Key differences include the speed of change, the scope of trait modification, and the intent behind the outcomes, with genetic engineering being more targeted and immediate compared to the natural, slower processes of selection.
Step 1: Understanding Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering is the process of altering the genetic material of organisms to create specific desired traits. This includes techniques that modify genes and manipulate characteristics of an organism to better fit particular needs. The main goals are to enhance traits such as disease resistance or increased productivity in various species.
Step 2: Grasping Natural Selection
Natural selection is a natural process where organisms that possess beneficial traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. This leads to the gradual prevalence of these traits in a population over generations. Unlike genetic engineering, which can target specific traits, natural selection operates on traits that arise from variations within populations through environmental challenges.
Step 3: Comparing the Two Processes
While both genetic engineering and natural selection involve the transfer of genetic information, they function differently. Key differences include:
- Speed: Genetic engineering can quickly produce modifications, whereas natural selection works slowly over many generations.
- Scope: Genetic engineering can target specific traits across all organisms, including humans, while natural selection selects individuals that adapt best to their environment, often leading to extinction for others.
- Outcome: Engineering creates desired traits deliberately, while selection acts on the existing diversity within a population.