The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution by natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It combines disciplines like microbiology, palaeontology, genetics and palaeontology.
However the study of evolution is often controversial and the misinformation that results can confuse people about its fundamentals. This site can help explain the most important concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result of natural selection. This is a process which increases the number of organisms that have beneficial traits, which allow them to thrive and reproduce in certain environments. In turn, these organisms produce more offspring than those who don't possess the beneficial traits. This could cause a genetic change that could eventually lead to the creation of new species.
The term "evolution" is frequently associated with the idea of "survival of the fittest," which implies that those individuals who are best adapted to a particular set of environmental conditions will be more successful than those who aren't well-adapted. This is only one of the many ways that evolution could happen.
Another common way the term "evolution" is used is to suggest that a species will eventually change from one state to the next one. This theory of evolution is known as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This theory is not supported by the definition of evolution in science. The scientific theory of evolutionary change focuses instead on the changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are caused by mutations which result in natural selection and genomic variation.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this view. Others, such as Alfred Russel Wallace, who came up with the macroevolution theory believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could be derived from lower ones.
To be able to be called a theory, it has to be capable of surviving rigorous tests and evidence. The evidence for evolution has stood up to the test of time and has been backed by countless studies in various scientific disciplines, ranging from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is a cornerstone of science and is believed by a majority of scientists around the world. Many people have misconceptions regarding the nature of the evolution theory particularly how it is connected to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is the scientific explanation for how living things change over time. It is based on a few established facts: that more offspring are born than can survive and that different individuals have their physical characteristics, and that they are able to pass on traits to the next generation. These observations are backed by the increasing amount of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, functional morphology, climatology, and geology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently conceived the theory of evolution through selection in the middle of the 19th century as an explanation why organisms are able to adapt to their physical and biological environments. It is the most widely accepted and tested theory in science. Its theories have been proven out by the evidence that, for instance complex organisms are more likely to have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism becomes in terms of surviving and reproducing the more likely it is to transfer its genes to future generations.
Some people are against evolution because they believe that it suggests that there is no reason for existence. However, 에볼루션 룰렛 of scientists who are also religious believers such as the renowned Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not just compatible with faith in God but can be enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).
Many highly qualified evolutionary biologists have been involved in the development and testing the theory of evolution, including several highly respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these scientists have contributed to the understanding of a broad variety of phenomena, including phylogenetics and genomics, and the formation and function of fossils.
The term "theory" that is often used incorrectly is a reference to a scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over time. Scientists test their hypotheses by repeating experiments or observations that led to them. Thus the theory of evolutionary theory has been repeatedly confirmed, as have the corresponding theories of Copernican theory as well as atomic theory and germ theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is a gradual change in the proportions of genetically different individuals within a species over time. This change is a result of natural selection of individuals who are more adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have higher chances of reproducing and survival. As more people survive and reproduce, their genes are more common in the general population. This process is sometimes referred to as "survival of the most fittest."
According to evolution theory the causes of mutations that result in genomic variation are what triggers evolutionary change. These mutations may occur at random, or under the influence of the environment. When mutations are random the frequencies of the resulting alleles may differ from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it will increase the allele frequency, causing the allele to spread throughout the population.
Changes in the frequency of alleles can lead to new species as time passes. The new species could grow and evolve into newer forms. This process is called macroevolution. The formation of an entirely new species is typically due to changes in the environment that provide certain types of resources available or create new environmental problems. The evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example, is due to the availability of new food and the need to defend themselves against predators.
In a wider context it is any change that takes place in the characteristics of organisms over time. The change could be subtle, such as the development of new colors or dramatic, like the development of an organ.
Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally recognize the importance of genetic changes in the process of generating evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution takes place over a long time, often millions of years. They differ in the importance of various factors that could speed up or slow down this process. For instance the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these differences scientists believe that evolution has happened and that the evidence for this is overwhelming.
What evidence do we have to support evolution?
In the decades since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence that supports his theory of evolution. The evidence comes from fossils which show the evolution of living organisms over time. Similarities between living and non-living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography and genetics are evidence.
The primary evidence of evolution can be found in the evolutionary tree, which illustrates how different species are connected. Another evidence source is homologous structures, which share a similar structure in different species but perform distinct functions like the wings of bats and birds. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to the same environment is also a sign of evolution. For example, arctic foxes and ptarmigans develop seasonal white pelts to blend in with snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolution that suggests that the species have common ancestors.
Another piece of evidence is the existence of vestigial structures. These are unused organs that could serve a purpose in the distant ancestor. For instance the human appendix is a vestige of a once-used organ that was used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size when they are no longer used which is a process referred to as natural selection.
Scientists have also gathered evidence for evolution by observing and testing. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six distinct categories: changes that can be observed at small scales, biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomy, the fossil record and genetics. Each of these categories provides compelling evidence for the evolution of life.
While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution It is a scientific fact. It is not a theory but a significant collection founded on decades of observation. No matter what people believe or deny about the theory of evolution, scientists continue to study and collect new data in order to further know the story of life on Earth. This information will aid scientists to understand how to avoid future global catastrophes and also how to best utilize the resources of our planet. This information will also allow us to better meet the needs and desires of all the people living on this planet.