The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution through natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. It brings together disciplines like genetics, palaeontology and microbiology.
However the study of evolutionary theory is often controversial, and the resulting misinformation can confuse people about its basic concepts. This Web site helps explain the most important 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. This is a process that increases the number of organisms with beneficial traits, which allow them to thrive and reproduce in particular environments. These organisms produce more offspring because of their positive traits. This results in a genetic change that can eventually lead to the formation of new species.
The term "evolution" is frequently associated with the idea of "survival of the fittest," which implies that those individuals who are best adapted to a specific set of environmental conditions will be more successful than those who are not well-adapted. This is only one of the many ways that evolution could happen.
Another common way the term "evolution" is used to suggest that a species will invariably progress from one state of being to the next state of being. This type of view of evolution could be described as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This view is not supported by the scientific definition of evolution. The evolutionary theory that scientists have developed change is based on changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are caused by mutations which result in natural selection and genomic variation.
Certain scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this theory of evolution. Others, notably Alfred Russel Wallace, who developed the theory of macroevolution believed that this was the only way that the higher forms of life could be derived from lower ones.
To be able to be called a theory, it must be able to stand up to rigorous tests and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time and has been supported in many scientific disciplines, from geology to biology the sciences of astronomy to chemistry. Evolution is the foundation of science and is backed by the majority of scientists around the world. Many people have misconceptions regarding the nature of the theory of evolution, especially how it relates with religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is an explanation for how living things change with time. It is based on a variety of well-established observations that show that more offspring are produced than can possibly survive and that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype); that different traits have different rates of reproduction and survival and can be passed on to future generations. These observations are supported by the growing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, climatology, functional morphology and geology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution by selection in the middle of the 19th century as a reason why organisms are adapted their biological and physical environments. It is currently the most well-supported and most widely tested theory in all of science. Its theories have been proven out by the fact that, for instance, more complex organisms tend to have less genetic mutations than simpler ones. Additionally the more successful an organism is at being able to reproduce and survive in its ability to reproduce, the more likely it is to pass its genes to future generations.
Some people are against evolution because they believe it implies that there is no purpose to life. However, many scientists who are also religious such as the renowned Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution isn't just compatible with faith in God but also enhances it (BioLogos 2014).
In fact, a large number of highly trained evolutionary biologists, some of who are respected evangelical Christian leaders have been involved in the development and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these scientists contributed to the understanding of a wide range phenomena, including genomics and phylogenetics, and also the formation and function fossils.
The term "theory" is often used in a wrong sense to mean a guess or speculation however it actually refers to a scientific idea that has been rigorously tested and refined over time. Scientists test their hypotheses by repeating experiments or observations that resulted in them. Thus 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 a gradual change in the genetically diverse individuals within a species over time. This change is a result of natural selection of those who are more adapted to their environment. The people who are more adaptable have higher chances of reproducing and survival. As more people survive and reproduce their genes are more widely distributed in the population. This is sometimes referred to as "survival of the fittest."
According to the theory of evolution the mutations that result in genomic variation are the raw material for evolution. These mutations can occur at random, or under the influence of the environment. If mutations occur in a random manner and the frequencies of alleles can vary from generation-to-generation. If a mutation is beneficial it can increase the frequency of the allele and cause the allele to spread throughout the population.
These changes in allele frequency could lead to new species as time passes. The new species will evolve and develop into newer forms. This is a process known as macroevolution. The creation of new species is often due to changes in the environment which makes certain resources available or creates new environmental issues. For instance, the development of finches in the Galapagos Islands is a result of the abundance of food sources and the need protect themselves from predators.
In a wider sense the term "evolution" can be described as any change in the nature of living organisms over time. The change could be small or even the creation of a new coloration or massive, for instance, the formation of a new organ.
Scientists who accept the theory of evolution generally recognize the importance of genetic change in generating evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution occurs over a long period of time, often millions of years. They differ on the importance of various factors that could speed up or slow down the process. For instance the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures, and mutation bias. Despite these disagreements, most scientists still believe that evolution is real and that the evidence in support of this is overwhelming.
What evidence do we have to support evolution?
Since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence to support his theory of evolution. A portion of this evidence comes from fossils which show the changing characteristics of living things over time. Other evidence is found in the similarities between living organisms embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
The evolutionary tree is the best method of proving evolution. It shows how different species are closely related. Homologous structures are another proof. They share a common structure but serve different purposes in different species, like the wing of a bird or bat. Evolution is evident in that different species adapt and develop to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans have white seasonal pelts which blend with snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolutionary, which suggests that the species had common ancestral ancestors.
에볼루션코리아 are another piece of evidence. These are a part of an organism that could have served a purpose in the distant past. For example the human appendix is an oblique reminder of an organ used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size as they are no longer utilized which is a process referred to as natural selection.
Scientists have also gathered evidence of evolution through observation and experimenting. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six categories: directly visible small-scale changes, biogeographic patterns as well as comparative anatomy, fossil record, classification and genetics. Each of these provides convincing evidence that evolution of life has taken place.
Although many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution It is a scientific fact. It is not a theory but a significant collection of evidence built on decades of observation. No matter what people believe or don't believe about the theory of evolution, scientists continue to study and discover new information in order to further comprehend the evolution of life on Earth. This information will help scientists understand how to prevent future catastrophes on the planet and how to best use our planet's resources. This information will also allow us to better serve the needs and desires of the people living on our planet.