The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution by natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. It connects disciplines as diverse as genetics, microbiology and the study of palaeontology.
The study of evolution can be controversial and the misinformation that is generated can lead to confusion over its basic concepts. This Web site helps explain the most important concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory is based on the gradual and cumulative changes that occur in populations over time. Full Content are the result of natural selection, which increases the number of organisms who have beneficial traits that allow them to survive and reproduce in a particular environment. As a result, these organisms have more offspring than those that do not have the beneficial traits. This results in an alteration in genetics that could eventually lead to the creation of new species.
The term "evolution", is often associated with "survival-of-the fittest" which implies that individuals who are better adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have a distinct advantage over those who are less well-adapted. This is just one of many ways that evolution could occur.
Another way of using the term "evolution" is to suggest that species can change from one state to the next. This type of view of evolution is called anagenetic or cladogenesis. This theory is not supported by the definition of evolution in science. Instead, the scientific theory of evolution concentrates on the changes that happen within populations over time, and these changes are caused by genetic mutations and natural selection.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this theory. Others, notably Alfred Russel Wallace, who developed the theory of macroevolution believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could have evolved from the lower ones.
To be able to be referred to as a theory, it must be capable of standing up to rigorous testing and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time and has been supported in countless scientific disciplines from geology to biology chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is the foundation of science and is believed by a majority of scientists across the globe. Many people are confused about the nature of evolution theory, especially how it relates with religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is the scientific explanation for how living things change over time. It is based upon a few established facts: that more offspring are created than can survive and that different individuals have their physical characteristics, and that they can transmit traits to future generations. These findings are backed by a growing amount of evidence derived from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional morphology geology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution through selection in the mid-19th Century as a way to explain how organisms are able to adapt to their physical and biologic environments. It is today the most supported and most extensively tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions were confirmed by the fact, for example that more complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations. The more successful an organism is in terms of surviving and reproducing, the more likely it will transmit its genes to future generations.
Some people are against evolution because they believe it implies there is no purpose to life. However, 에볼루션 who are also religious believers such as the renowned Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not only compatible with belief in God but can be enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).
Many highly qualified evolutionary biologists have been involved in developing and testing the theory of evolution, which includes several highly respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these researchers contributed to the understanding of a wide range phenomena, including genomics and phylogenetics, and also the formation and function fossils.
The term "theory" is sometimes used incorrectly to mean an assumption or speculation however it actually refers to a scientific hypothesis that has been rigorously developed and tested over time. Scientists test hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that led them to the conclusion. Therefore, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly tested out and so have the theories of Copernican, germ and atomic theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is a gradual shift in the genetically different individuals within a species over time. This change is a result of the natural selection of those who are more well-adapted to their environment. The better-adapted individuals have a greater chance of survival and reproduction. As more people survive and reproduce their genes become more prevalent in the population. This is often referred to as "survival of the strongest."
According to the theory of evolution, mutations that lead to genomic variation are what triggers evolutionary change. These mutations may occur at random, or under the influence of the environment. If mutations are random, the resulting allele frequencies may differ from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial, it can increase the frequency of the allele, causing the allele to spread throughout the population.
Over time, these changes in allele frequencies can result in the creation of new species. The new species can then develop further and evolve into newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The creation of an entirely new species is typically due to changes in the environment which make certain kinds of resources available or cause new environmental problems. For instance, the development of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of different food sources and the need to protect themselves from predators.
In a broader sense the term "evolution" refers to any change that takes place in the traits of organisms over time. The change could be subtle, such as the development of a new color or dramatic, like the formation of an organ.
Scientists who accept evolution theory generally agree that genetic change is important in generating evolution. They also agree that evolution is a process that takes place in time, typically over a period of millions of years. They differ in the importance of various factors that can accelerate or slow down this process. For instance, the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists believe that evolution has happened and that the evidence for this is overwhelming.
What is the Evidence of Evolution?
Since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence that supports Darwin's theory of evolution. Some of this evidence comes from fossils, which reveal the changing traits of living things over time. Similarities between living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography and genetics are further evidence.
The most important proof of evolution is in the evolutionary tree, which shows how different species are connected. Another evidence source is homologous structures, which have similar structure in different species, but perform distinct functions such as the wings of bats and birds. Evolution is evident in the way that different species adapt and develop to similar environments. For example, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans sport white pelts during the winter months that blend into the snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolutionary process, which suggests that the species have shared ancestral ancestors.
Another evidence point is the existence of vestigial structures. These are unusable organs which could have served a purpose in a distant ancestor. For instance, the human appendix is remnants of an earlier organ that was used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size as they are no longer utilized which is a process referred to as natural selection.
Scientists have also gathered evidence of evolution through observation and testing. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six different categories: directly observable changes at small scales, biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomy fossil records, genetics. Each of these categories provides convincing evidence for the evolution of life.
Many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution. However, it's an established fact. It is not a speculative theory, but rather a powerful collection of evidence built on years of observation. No matter what people believe or disbelieve about the theory of evolution, scientists continue to study and discover new information in order to further understand the history of life on Earth. This information will aid scientists understand how to prevent future catastrophes on the planet and how to best use the resources of our planet. This information will also help us better meet the needs and wants of all the people living on this planet.