Final answer:
Search engines use algorithms to find and index information directly from websites, while meta-search engines aggregate results from multiple search engines, offering a broader search without individual rankings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main difference between search engines and meta-search engines is the way they retrieve information from the internet. A search engine, like uses its algorithms to crawl, index, and retrieve data directly from websites. Search engine results prioritize paid advertisements, popularity, and web interconnectivity, employing SEO tools to rank results. On the other hand, a meta-search engine does not have its own database but rather pulls compiled information from multiple search engines, giving a broader overview of what is available across the web without the individual bias or ranking mechanisms used by each search engine. It is essential to learn to utilize these tools effectively, especially when doing research online to sift through misinformation and find legitimate sources.