The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution by natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. It brings together disciplines such as microbiology, palaeontology, and genetics.
However the study of evolution is often controversial and the resultant misinformation can confuse people regarding the fundamentals of evolution. This site explains the fundamental concepts.
What is Evolution?
The current understanding of evolution is based on the gradual change that occurs within populations over time. These changes are a result of natural selection, which increases the amount of organisms that have beneficial traits that enable them to live and reproduce in a specific environment. In turn, these organisms leave more offspring than those who do not have the beneficial traits. This results in the genetic changes that can eventually lead to the formation of new species.
The term "evolution" is often associated with "survival-of-the best" which implies that people who are more adapted to certain environmental conditions will have an advantage over those who are less well adapted. However, this is only one of the many different ways that evolution can occur.
Another way that the word evolution is used to suggest that a species will inevitably progress from one state of being to the next state of being. This view of evolution can be described as anagenetic, or cladogenesis. This view is not supported by the definition of evolution in science. The evolutionary theory that scientists have developed change is based on changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are caused by mutations that result from natural selection and genetic variation.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this theory. Others, such as Alfred Russel Wallace, who developed the theory of macroevolution and believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could have evolved from the lower forms.
A theory must stand against rigorous tests and evidence in order to be considered a theory. The evidence of evolution has stood up to the test of time and has been supported by numerous studies in a wide range of sciences, from biology to geology to chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is a cornerstone of science and is backed by the majority of scientists around the globe. However, many people have misconceptions about the nature of the theory of evolution, and particularly the relationship it has with religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is an explanation for how living things change over time. It relies on a number of well-established observable facts such as the fact that more offspring are often created than are likely to survive and that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that distinct traits have different rates of reproduction and survival; and that traits can be passed on to the next generation. These findings are backed by a growing body of evidence derived from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional geology, morphology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently conceived 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 widely tested theory in all of science. Its predictions were confirmed by the fact, for example that more complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations. The more successful an organism becomes in terms of its longevity and reproducing, the more likely it will transfer its genes to the next generation.
Some people are against evolution because they believe that it implies there is no reason for existence. Many scientists who are religious such as 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 qualified evolutionary biologists have been involved in constructing and testing the theory of evolution, including some respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these researchers contributed to the understanding a broad range of phenomena, including genomics and phylogenetics as well as the formation and function of fossils.
The word "theory" that is often used incorrectly refers to scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over time. Scientists test their hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that led to them. So, the theory of evolutionary theory has been repeatedly proven, along with the related theories of Copernican theory, atomic theory, and germ theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is the gradual change over time in the ratio of genetically distinct individuals within a specific species. This change is a result of natural selection of individuals that are better adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. As more people survive and reproduce their genes are more widely distributed in the population. This process is sometimes referred to as "survival for the fittest."
According to the theory of evolution the causes of mutations that result in genetic variation are the primary reason for evolutionary change. These mutations can occur at random or be influenced by the environment. If mutations occur in a random manner, the allele frequencies will vary from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it can increase the frequency of the allele, causing the allele to be spread across 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 known as macroevolution. The development of new species is typically due to changes in the environment, which makes certain resources available or creates new environmental problems. For example, the evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of different food sources and the need to defend themselves from predators.
In a broader context the term "evolution" can be described as any change in the character of living organisms over time. The change could be small, such as the development of a new coloration, or large, such as the creation of a new organ.
Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally agree on the importance of genetic changes in the process of generating evolution. They also agree that the process of evolution occurs over a long time, usually millions of years. They differ in the importance of various factors that can accelerate or slow down this process. For example, the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures, and mutation bias. Despite these differences, most scientists believe that evolution has occurred and the evidence to prove this is overwhelming.
What is the evidence for evolution?
Since Darwin's time scientists have gathered evidence to support his theory of evolution. Some of this evidence comes from fossils which show the changing characteristics of living things over time. Another evidence comes from the similarities between living organisms embryology, biogeography genetics and comparative anatomy.
The primary evidence of evolution is in the evolutionary tree, which demonstrates how different species are related. Homologous structures are another source of evidence. They have a similar structure but serve different purposes in different species, like the wing of a bat or bird. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to the same environment is also evidence of evolution. For instance, arctic foxes and ptarmigans develop white fur coats that blend into snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolution that suggests that the species had common ancestors.
Vestigial structures are another piece of evidence. These are parts of an organism that could have served a purpose in the distant past. 에볼루션 블랙잭 , for instance is an odour from an organ that was once 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 of evolution through observation and testing. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six distinct categories: changes that can be observed at small scales biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomy fossil records, genetics. Each of these categories offers convincing evidence for the evolution of life.
Many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution. However, it is an actual fact. It is not a theory, but a significant collection of evidence based on years of observation. Scientists continue to collect and analyze new data to better understand the history of the Earth's life, regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will aid scientists understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and also how to make the most of the resources on our planet. This information will also help us better serve the needs and desires of the people living on our planet.