The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution by natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It ties together disciplines as diverse as genetics, microbiology and palaeontology.
However the study of evolutionary theory is often controversial and the resulting misinformation can confuse people about its basic concepts. This site explains the fundamental concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory is based on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen in populations over time. These changes are a result of natural selection, which increases the amount of organisms that have beneficial traits that help them survive and reproduce in a specific environment. This means that these organisms have more offspring than those that don't have these beneficial characteristics. This could cause a genetic change that may eventually lead to the creation of new species.
The term "evolution" is often ascribed to the notion of "survival of the strongest," which implies that people who are the most adapted to a specific set of environmental conditions will have an advantage over those who aren't well-adapted. However this is just one of the many different ways that evolution could occur.
에볼루션바카라 " is used to suggest that a species will invariably move from one state of being to the next one. This theory of evolution is known as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This is not backed by the scientific definition of evolution. Instead the scientific theory of evolution concentrates on the changes that happen within populations over time and these changes are the result of mutations that produce genomic variation and natural selection.
Some scientists, such as the great Charles Darwin, advocated this view of evolution. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed that this was the only way in which the higher forms of living could have evolved.
For a concept to be referred to as a theory, it must be capable of surviving rigorous tests and evidence. The evidence of evolution has withstood the test of time and has been backed by a myriad of studies across various scientific disciplines, from biology to geology to chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is the foundation of science and is believed by the majority of scientists across the globe. Many people are confused about the nature of the theory of evolution, especially how it relates with religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is the scientific explanation of how living things change over time. It is based on few known facts: that more offspring are produced 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 findings are supported by the increasing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology climatology, functional morphology and geology.
The theory of evolution by natural selection was initially conceived by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the mid-19th century as an explanation for the reason that organisms are adapted to their biological and physical environments. It is now the best-supported and most extensively tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions have been proved out by the evidence that, for instance complex organisms are more likely to have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. In addition the more successful an organism is at surviving and reproducing, the more likely it will be to pass its genes to the next generation.
Some people object to evolution based on the belief that it implies that there is no reason to life. 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.
In reality, a large number of highly skilled evolutionary biologists, including a few who are renowned evangelical Christian leaders are involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these scientists have contributed to the understanding of a wide variety of phenomena, such as phylogenetics, genomics and the formation and purpose of fossils.
The term "theory" is often used in a wrong sense to mean an assumption or speculation however it actually refers to a scientific idea that has been rigorously tested and refined over time. Scientists test their theories by repeating the experiments or observations that resulted in them. Therefore the theory of evolution 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 the gradual change over time in the ratio of genetically distinct individuals within a particular species. This change is the result of the natural selection of those who are more adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have a greater chance of survival and reproduction. As more individuals survive and reproduce their genes are more widely distributed in the general population. This is sometimes referred to as "survival for the fittest."
According to evolution theory the causes of mutations that result in genomic variation are what drives evolutionary change. These mutations may occur randomly or under the influence of the environment. If mutations are random, the frequency of the resultant alleles could vary from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it can increase the frequency of the allele, causing it to spread through the population.
Over time, these changes in allele frequencies could lead to the formation of new species. The new species will evolve and develop into newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The development of new species is usually due to changes in the environment which make certain resources available or creates new environmental issues. For example, the evolution of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of various food sources and the need to defend themselves from predators.
In a larger sense, evolution is defined as any change that occurs in the characteristics of organisms over time. The change could be minor, such as the development of a new coloration, or massive, for instance, the development of a brand new organ.
Scientists who accept evolution theory generally agree that genetic change is crucial in the process of generating evolution. They also believe that evolution is a process that happens over time, usually over a period of millions of years. However, they differ on the role of different factors in accelerating or retarding this process, such as the influence of environmental pressures sexual selection, and mutation bias. Despite these disagreements, most scientists believe that evolution is real and that the evidence to prove it is overwhelming.
What evidence do we have to support evolution?
Since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence to back his theory of evolution. Some of this evidence comes from fossils, which demonstrate the changing features of living things over time. Another evidence comes from similarities between living organisms embryology, biogeography genetics and comparative anatomy.
The evolutionary tree is the most effective way to prove evolution. It demonstrates how species are related. Another way to prove it is homologous structures, which have similar structures in different species but have distinct functions such as the wings of bats and birds. Evolution is evident in the way that different species adapt and grow to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and ptarmigans develop seasonal white pelts that blend into snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolution that suggests that the species have common ancestors.
Another piece of evidence is the existence of vestige structures, which are unused organs which could serve a purpose in the distant ancestors. For example the human appendix is a vestige of a once-used organ that served to digest food. Natural selection causes the structures to shrink when they are no longer utilized.
Scientists have also collected evidence for evolution through observation and testing. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six different categories: directly observed changes at a smaller scale, biogeographic distributions and comparative anatomies fossil records, genetics. Each of these provides compelling evidence that evolution of life took place.
While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution It is an empirical fact. It is not simply a flimsy theory. It is a potent collection of years of observations and data that has been tested and proven. Scientists continue to collect and study new information to better understand the arc of Earth's existence regardless of whether or not people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will allow scientists to better understand how we can avoid future global catastrophes, and how best to make use of the resources on our planet. It will also enable us to better meet the needs of all the people living on the planet.