The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution through natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. It ties together disciplines that are as diverse as genetics microbiology and palaeontology.
The study of evolution may be controversial, and the misinformation that is generated can cause confusion about its fundamentals. This site clarifies essential concepts.
What is Evolution?
The current understanding of evolution is based on the gradual change that occurs within populations over time. These changes are the result of natural selection, which increases the number of organisms who have beneficial traits that enable them to live and reproduce in a particular environment. The organisms that have these traits produce more offspring as a result of the positive traits. This can result in a genetic mutation which could eventually lead to the creation of new species.
The term "evolution" is often associated with the notion of "survival of the fittest," which implies that those people who are most well-adapted to a particular environment will have an advantage over those who aren't adapted to the environment. In reality this is just one of many ways in which evolution can occur.
Another way to use the word evolution is to suggest that a species will progress from one state to the next. This kind of view can be referred to as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This view is not supported by the definition of evolution in science. Instead, the scientific theory of evolution is based on the changes that happen within populations over time and these changes are the result of genetic mutations and natural selection.
Some scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this theory of evolution. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed this was only way the higher forms of living could have evolved.
In order for a concept to be called a theory, it has to be able to stand up to rigorous tests and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time, and has been backed by many scientific disciplines, from geology to biology chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is a cornerstone of science and is backed by the majority of scientists around the world. However, there are many misconceptions about the theory of evolution, specifically how it relates to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is a scientific explanation of the way living things change over time. It is based on few established facts: that more offspring are produced than can survive and that different individuals have their physical characteristics, and that they can transmit traits to the next generation. These findings are supported by the increasing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, climatology, functional morphology and geology.
The theory of evolution based on natural selection was initially conceived by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the mid-19th century to provide an explanation for the reason that organisms are adapted to their physical and biological environments. It is now the best-supported and widely-tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions were proved by the fact that for instance, more complex organisms have less genetic mutations. The more successful an organism is in terms of surviving and reproducing the more likely it will transfer its genes to future generations.
Some people are against evolution based on the belief that it implies that there is no purpose to life. Many scientists who are religious believers, like the Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014), believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and can even be enhanced by it.
Many highly skilled evolutionary biologists have been involved in developing and testing the theory of evolution, including several highly respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these scientists have contributed to the understanding of a vast variety of phenomena, such as phylogenetics, genomics, and the formation and role of fossils.
The word "theory", which is often misused refers to scientific hypotheses that have been tested and refined over a long period of time. Scientists test their theories by repeating experiments or observations that led to them. Thus, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly proven out and so have the theories of Copernican, atomic and germ 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 is the result of natural selection of individuals who are more well-adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have higher chances of reproduction and survival. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce their genes, they are more prevalent in the general population. This process is sometimes described as "survival of the fittest."
According to the theory of evolution the causes of mutations that result in genomic variation are what drives evolution. These mutations could occur at random or be influenced by the environment. If mutations occur in a random manner and occur in a random manner, the frequency of the allele may vary from generation to generation. In contrast, when the mutation is beneficial it increases the frequency of the allele, which causes it to spread throughout the population.
As time passes, these changes in the frequencies of alleles can lead to the formation of new species. The new species can then grow and evolve into newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The development of new species is often caused by changes in the environment that make certain resources accessible or creates new environmental issues. The evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example is due to the availability of new foods and the need to defend themselves against predators.
In a broader sense the term "evolution" refers to any change that occurs in the nature of organisms over the course of time. This change can be subtle, like the development of a new color or dramatic, like the development of an organ.
Scientists who accept evolution theory generally agree that genetic changes are essential in generating evolution. They also believe that evolution is a process that occurs over time, usually over millions of years. However, they differ over the importance of different factors in accelerating or retarding this process, such as the influence of environmental pressures sexual selection, and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists still believe that evolution is real and that the evidence to prove it is overwhelming.
What is the Evidence of Evolution?
Since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence to support his theory of evolution. look at this site 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 main proof of evolution is found in the evolutionary tree, which shows how species are related. Homologous structures are another evidence. They share a similar structure but perform different functions in different species, like the wings of a bird or bat. Evolution is evident in the way that various species adapt and evolve to similar environments. For instance, arctic foxes and ptarmigans have seasonal white pelts to blend into snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolution that suggests that the species has common ancestors.
Vestigial structures are a different piece of evidence. These are parts of an organism which may have served some purpose in the distant past. For instance the human appendix may be remnants of an earlier organ used to digest food. Natural selection is a process that causes these structures to shrink as they are no longer used.
Scientists have also collected evidence for evolution by observing and experimenting. The evidence for evolution is divided into six categories: directly visible small-scale changes, biogeographic patterns as well as comparative anatomy, fossil record, genetics, and classification. Each of these categories provides solid evidence for the evolution of life.
Many people have misconceptions regarding the theory of evolution. However, it is a fact. It is not a theory but rather a powerful collection that is based on years of observation. Whatever people believe or deny about the theory of evolution scientists continue to research and gather new information in order to further comprehend the evolution of life on Earth. This information will help scientists understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and also how to best use the resources of our planet. This information will also help us better meet the needs and wants of the people living on our planet.