The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution by natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. It combines disciplines like genetics, palaeontology and microbiology.
The study of evolution can be controversial and the misinformation that comes from it can lead to confusion about its fundamentals. This website helps to explain the most important concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory is based on the gradual and cumulative changes that take place in populations over time. These changes are the results of natural selection. This is a process which increases the number of organisms that have beneficial traits, which help them to survive and reproduce in certain environments. In turn, these organisms leave more offspring than those that don't possess the beneficial characteristics. This leads to a genetic change that can eventually lead to the development of new species.
The term "evolution" is usually associated with "survival-of-the best" which implies that individuals who are more adjusted to certain conditions will have a distinct advantage over those less well adapted. This is only one of the many ways that evolution can occur.
Another popular way in which the word evolution is used is to suggest that a species will inevitably move from one state to the next state of being. This type of view of evolution is known as anagenetic or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution that scientists have developed is not in agreement with this view. Instead, the scientific theory of evolution focuses on changes that occur within populations over time, and these changes are the result of genetic mutations and natural selection.
Certain scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this theory of evolution. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed that this was only way the higher forms of living could have evolved.
A concept must be able stand against rigorous tests and evidence in order to be considered a theory. Evolution has stood the test of time, and has been supported in countless scientific disciplines from geology to biology from astronomy to chemistry. In reality evolution is regarded as one of the cornerstones of science today, and it is backed by the vast majority of scientists worldwide. However, there are many misconceptions about the nature of the theory of evolution, specifically how it is related to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is the scientific explanation for how living things change over time. It relies on a number of well-established observable facts that show that more offspring are often produced than can possibly survive; that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that distinct traits confer varying rates of reproduction and survival; and that traits can be passed down to the next generation. These findings are backed by a growing amount of evidence drawn from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional morphology geology.
The theory of evolution through natural selection was developed independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the late 19th century to provide an explanation for the reason that organisms are adapted to their physical and biological environment. It is currently the most well-supported and most widely tested theory in all of science. Its predictions have been proved out by the fact that, for example, more complex organisms are more likely to have less genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism becomes in terms of surviving and reproducing the more likely it will pass its genes on to the next generation.
Some people oppose evolution because they believe that it implies that there is no reason to life. However, many scientists who are also religious, such as the prominent Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not only compatible with faith in God but also enhances it (BioLogos 2014).
In reality, a large number of highly trained evolutionary biologists, including some who are respected evangelical Christian leaders have been involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these researchers contributed to the understanding a wide range phenomena, including genomics and phylogenetics, and also the formation and function of fossils.
The word "theory" is sometimes used in a wrong sense to mean a guess or speculation but in reality it refers to a scientific hypothesis that has been rigorously evaluated and refined over 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 proportions of genetically diverse individuals within a species over time. This change is the result of the natural selection of individuals that are more well-adapted to their environment. The people who are more adaptable have higher chances of reproduction and survival. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce, their genes are more prevalent within the population. This process is sometimes referred to as "survival for the strongest."
According to theories of evolution the causes of mutations that result in genomic variation are what triggers evolution. These mutations could occur randomly or under the influence of the environment. When mutations are random, the frequencies of the resulting alleles may vary from generation to generation. When the mutation is beneficial it can increase the frequency of the allele, causing it to spread across the population.
Over time, these shifts in allele frequencies could result in the creation of new species. 에볼루션사이트 will then grow and evolve into new forms. This process is known as macroevolution. The development of a new species is often caused by changes in the environment which allow certain kinds of resources to become available or cause new environmental challenges. The development 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 larger sense the term "evolution" can be described as any change in the character of living organisms over time. This change can be small or even the creation of a new coloration, or large, such as the creation of a new organ.
Scientists who accept the theory of evolution generally recognize the importance of genetic change in the process that causes evolution. They also agree that the process of evolution happens over a long period of time, often millions of years. They differ on the importance of different factors that may speed up or slow down this process. For example the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists are still convinced that evolution is real and the evidence to support this is overwhelming.
What evidence can be found for evolution?
Since Darwin's time scientists have collected evidence to back his theory of evolution. The evidence comes from fossils that demonstrate the evolution of organisms over time. Other evidence is found in the similarities between living organisms, embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
The primary evidence of evolution can be found in the evolutionary tree, which shows how different species are related. Homologous structures are another proof. They share a common structure, but they perform different functions in different species, like the wings of a bat or bird. Evolution is also evident in the fact that different species adapt and develop to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans sport white fur coats that blend in with the snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolution, which suggests that the species had common ancestors.
Another source of evidence is the existence of vestige structures, which are unusable parts of an organism that could have served a function in the distant ancestors. The human appendix, for example is an odour from an organ that once used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size when they're no longer in use which is a process referred to as natural selection.
Scientists have also collected evidence for evolution by observing and experimenting. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six different categories: changes that can be observed at a small scale, biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomies fossil records and genetics. Each of these categories offers convincing evidence for the evolution of life.
While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution, it is an empirical fact. It is not a speculative theory, but a significant collection of evidence based on decades of observation. Scientists continue to collect and study new information to better understand the arc of Earth's evolution regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will help scientists to understand how to avoid future global catastrophes and how to best utilize our planet's resources. It will also allow us to better meet the needs of the people living on the planet.