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 the study of palaeontology.
However the study of evolution is often controversial, and the resulting misinformation can confuse people regarding its basic concepts. This website helps to explain the most important concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory is based on the gradual and cumulative changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the results of natural selection. This is a process which increases the number of organisms with beneficial traits, which help them to thrive and reproduce in certain environments. In turn, these organisms have more offspring than those who do not have the beneficial characteristics. This could lead to a genetic mutation which could eventually lead to the creation of new species.
The term "evolution" is often ascribed to the notion of "survival of the fittest" which means that individuals who are best adapted to a specific environment will have an advantage over those who aren't well-adapted. In reality, this is only one of the many different ways in which evolution can occur.
Another way that 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. This theory is not supported by the definition of evolution that is scientifically accepted. Instead the scientific theory of evolution concentrates on the changes that occur within populations over time, and these changes are the result of genetic mutations and natural selection.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this idea. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed this was only way the higher living forms could have evolved.
For a concept to be called a theory, it must be capable of standing up to rigorous testing and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time and has been proven to be valid in many scientific disciplines, from geology to biology from astronomy to chemistry. Evolution is a fundamental concept in science and is backed by the majority of scientists around the globe. However, many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, particularly the relationship it has with religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution?
Evolution is the scientific explanation for the way living things change over time. It is based upon a few established facts: that more offspring are born than can survive, that individuals differ in their physical characteristics and that they can transmit traits to future generations. These observations are supported by an increasing 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 by selection in the middle of the 19th century as a way to explain how organisms are adapted their physical and biologic environments. It is now the best-supported and widely-tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions have been proved out by the fact that, for example more complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism becomes in terms of surviving and reproducing, the more likely it is to transfer its genes to the next generation.
Some people object to evolution because they believe it implies that there is no reason to life. Many scientists who are religious, like 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 developing and testing the theory of evolution, including some respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these scientists have contributed to the understanding of a broad variety of phenomena, like phylogenetics, genomics and the formation and role of fossils.
The word "theory" is sometimes used to refer to an assumption or speculation, when in fact it refers to a scientific idea that has been systematically tested and refined over time. Scientists test their theories by repeating the experiments or observations that have led to them. The theory of evolution has been repeatedly borne out and so have the theories of Copernican, germ and atomic 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 is the result of natural selection, which favors those who are better adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adaptable have a greater chance of survival and reproduction. As more people live and reproduce, their genes are more common in the population. This is often called "survival of the fittest."
According to theories of evolution, mutations that lead to genomic variation are what drives evolution. These mutations can occur randomly or be influenced by the environment. When mutations are random, the frequencies of the resulting alleles may differ from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it will increase the frequency of alleles, causing the allele to be spread across the population.
As time passes, these changes in allele frequencies could lead to the formation of new species. The new species can then grow and evolve into newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The development of a new species is usually caused by changes in the environment that make certain kinds of resources available or create new environmental problems. For instance, the rise of finches in the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of different food sources and the need to protect themselves from predators.
In a wider sense it is possible to define evolution as any change in the character of living organisms over time. The change could be small like the development of a new coloration or even massive, like the creation of a new organ.
Scientists who believe in evolution theory generally believe that genetic change is crucial in the process of creating evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution takes place over a long period of time, typically millions of years. However, they differ over the role of various factors in speeding or slowing the process, like the role of environmental pressures, sexual selection, and mutation bias. Despite 에볼루션 블랙잭 , the majority of scientists are still convinced that evolution is real and that the evidence in support of this is overwhelming.
What evidence can be found for evolution?
Since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence to support his theory of evolution. Some of this evidence is derived from fossils which reveal the changing traits of living things over time. Additional evidence can be found in similarities among living organisms embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
The most important proof of evolution is found in the evolutionary tree, which demonstrates how different species are related. Another source of evidence is homologous structures, which have a similar structure in different species but have distinct functions such as the wings of birds and bats. Evolution is evident in that various species adapt and evolve to similar environments. For instance, arctic foxes and Ptarmigans wear white fur coats which blend with snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolutionary process which suggests that the species have shared common ancestors.
Another evidence point is the existence of vestigial structures. These are unused organs that could have served a function in the distant ancestors. For example the human appendix may be remnants of an earlier organ that served to digest food. Natural selection causes the structures to shrink when they are no longer utilized.
Scientists have also gathered evidence for evolution through observation and experimenting. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six different categories: directly observable changes at a small scale biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomy fossil records and genetics. Each of these categories provides compelling evidence for the evolution of life.
Although many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, it is a scientific fact. It is not only a theory, it is a potent collection of decades of research and observation that has been proven and tested. Scientists continue to collect and analyze new data to better understand the arc of the Earth's life regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This knowledge will allow scientists to better understand how we can avoid future global catastrophes and how to use the resources available on our planet. It will also allow us to better meet the needs of all the people living on the planet.