Disclosed are: a method for the selective amplification of a target nucleic acid, which is useful as a method for the synthesis of a nucleic acid; and a method for the detection of a nucleic acid by using the method. Specifically, disclosed are: a nucleotide sequence amplification method (i.e., an EVA (endonuclease V-dependent amplification) method) for selectively amplifying a target nucleic acid in a sample by using an oligonucleotide primer having a nucleotide base capable of being recognized by endonuclease V, endonuclease V and a DNA polymerase having a chain-substitution activity; and a method for the detection of a nucleic acid by using the method.