The Evolution Site
The concept of natural selection as the basis of evolution is the central force in modern biology. It connects disciplines as diverse as genetics, microbiology, and Palaeontology.
The study of evolution can be controversial, and the misinformation that is generated can lead to confusion about its fundamentals. This site clarifies essential concepts.
What is Evolution?
The modern understanding of evolution is based on the gradual, cumulative changes that occur within populations over time. These changes are the result of natural selection, which increases the amount of organisms that have traits that are beneficial and enable them to live and reproduce in a particular environment. They produce more offspring as a result of their positive characteristics. This could cause a genetic change which could eventually lead to the creation of new species.
The term "evolution", is often associated with "survival-of-the best" 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 only one of the many ways that evolution can occur.
Another way that the word evolution is used to suggest that a species will invariably progress from one state to the next one. This kind of view can be described as anagenetic or cladogenesis. The scientific definition of evolution does not support this view. Instead, the theory of evolution that is scientifically based concentrates on the changes that take place within populations over time, and these changes are the result of genetic mutations and natural selection.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who supported this idea. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed this was only way the higher forms of living could have evolved.
A theory must stand up to rigorous tests and evidence to be considered as a theory. Evolution has stood the test of time and has been backed by numerous scientific disciplines ranging from geology to biology, chemistry to astronomy. In actual fact evolution is regarded as one of the fundamental tenets of science today, and is supported by the vast majority of scientists around the world. Many people are misinformed about the nature of the theory of evolution and how it connects to 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 and observable facts such as the fact that more offspring are often created than are likely to survive; that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that distinct traits have different rates of survival and reproduction; and that traits can be passed down to the next generation. These observations are backed up by a growing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional geology and morphology.
The theory of evolution by natural selection was developed independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the mid-19th century to explain why organisms are adapted to their biological and physical environment. It is now the best-supported and most extensively tested theory in all of science. Its predictions have been proved out by the fact that, for instance, more complex organisms tend to have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. In addition, the more efficient an organism is in being able to reproduce and survive, the more likely it is to pass its genes to the next generation.
Some people are against evolution because they believe that it implies that there is no reason for existence. Many scientists who are religious believers 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 fact, a large number of highly trained evolutionary biologists, including some who are revered evangelical Christian leaders, have been involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these researchers have contributed to the understanding of a wide variety of phenomena such as phylogenetics, genomics, and the development and role of fossils.
The word "theory" is sometimes used incorrectly to mean a guess or speculation, when in fact it is a scientific hypothesis that has been systematically developed and tested over time. Scientists test their theories by repeating the experiment or observations that led to them. 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 change in the proportions of genetically different individuals within a species over time. This change is the result of the natural selection of those who are more adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have a higher 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 of the most fittest."
According to theories 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. When mutations are random, the frequencies of the resulting alleles may differ from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial, it will increase the frequency of alleles which causes 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 can then develop further and evolve into newer forms. This process is known as macroevolution. The formation of a new species is often caused by changes in the environment that provide certain types of resources available or create 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 wider context it is any change that occurs in the characteristics of living organisms over time. This change can 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 significance of genetic changes in the process of generating evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution occurs over a lengthy period of time, usually millions of years. However, they differ on the importance of different factors that speed up or slow down the process, including the role of environmental pressures, sexual selection, 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 for evolution?
In the decades since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence that supports Darwin's theory of evolution. Some of this evidence is derived from fossils which show the changing characteristics of living organisms over time. Similarities between living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography and genetics are further evidence.
The evolutionary tree is the most effective method to prove the existence of evolution. 에볼루션 사이트 shows how species are related. Another way to prove it is homologous structures, which have similar structure in different species, but serve different purposes such as the wings of bats and birds. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to the same environment is also a sign of evolution. For instance, arctic foxes and ptarmigans grow white fur coats that blend in with snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolution that suggests that the species had common ancestors.
The vestiges of structures are another source 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 a vestige of a once-used organ that was used to digest food. Natural selection is a process that causes these structures to shrink as they cease to be used.
Scientists have also gathered evidence for evolution by observing and experimenting. The evidence for evolution can be classified into six distinct categories: changes that can be observed at a smaller scale biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomy, the fossil record and genetics. Each of these categories provides solid evidence for the evolution of life.
Many people have misconceptions regarding the theory of evolution. But, it's an actual fact. It isn't only a theory, it is a powerful collection of years of observations and data that has been proven and tested. Scientists continue to gather and analyze new data to better understand the evolution of the Earth's life, regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will aid scientists to understand how to avoid future global catastrophes and how to best use our planet's resources. It will also allow us to better serve the needs of people living on this planet.
