The Evolution Site
The theory of natural selection as the foundation of evolution is the defining factor in modern biology. It ties together disciplines that are as diverse as genetics microbiology, and palaeontology.
The study of evolution can be controversial and the misinformation that results can lead to confusion about its basic concepts. 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 traits that are beneficial and help them survive and reproduce in a particular environment. In turn, these organisms produce more offspring than those that do not have the beneficial traits. This causes a genetic change that can eventually lead to the creation of new species.
The term "evolution" is usually associated with "survival-of-the best" which means that those who are more adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have an advantage over those who are less well adapted. In reality this is just one of the many different ways in which evolution can occur.
Another way to use the word evolution is to suggest that a species can change from one state to the next. This type of view of evolution could be described as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This theory is not supported by the scientific definition of evolution. Instead the scientific theory of evolution is based on the changes that happen in populations over time and these changes are caused by 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.
A concept must be able stand against rigorous tests and evidence in order to be considered as a theory. The evidence for evolution has withstood the test of time and has been supported by numerous studies in various scientific disciplines, from geology to biology to astronomy. In fact evolution is regarded as one of the cornerstones of science today, and it is supported by the vast majority of scientists around the world. However, many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, and particularly the relationship it has with religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is the scientific explanation of how living things change over time. It relies on a number of well-established observations: that more offspring are often created than are likely to survive in the long run; that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that distinct characteristics result in different rates of survival and reproduction; and that traits can be passed down to future generations. These observations are supported by an increasing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional geology and morphology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution through selection in the mid-19th Century as a reason why organisms are able to adapt to their physical and biologic environments. It is the most widely accepted and tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions were proved by the fact that for instance, more complex organisms have less genetic mutations. The more successful an organism becomes in terms of survival and reproducing the more likely it will transfer its genes to the next generation.
Some people object to evolution based on the belief that it implies that there is no meaning to life. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious believers such as the renowned Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution isn't just compatible with faith in God but can be enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).
Many highly skilled evolutionary biologists have been involved in constructing and testing the theory of evolution, which includes some respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these researchers contributed to the understanding a wide range phenomena, including genomics and phylogenetics and also the formation and function of fossils.
The term "theory" which is often misinterpreted refers to scientific hypotheses that have been tested and refined over time. Scientists test hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that led them to them. Thus, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly borne out as have the corresponding theories of Copernican, germ theory, and atomic theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is the gradual shift over time in the percentage of genetically distinct individuals within a certain species. This change is the result of the natural selection of individuals who are better adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have a better chance of survival and reproduction. As more individuals survive and reproduce, their genes become more prevalent in the population. This is sometimes referred to as "survival for the strongest."
According to the theory of evolution, the mutations that produce genomic variation are the primary basis for evolutionary change. These mutations may occur randomly or under the influence of the environment. When mutations are random, the frequencies of the resulting alleles may differ from generation to generation. However, when the mutation is beneficial, it increases the frequency of the allele, which causes it to spread throughout the population.
Over time, these changes in allele frequencies can lead to the formation of new species. The new species could continue to evolve and become newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The creation of new species is typically caused by changes in the environment that make certain resources accessible or creates new environmental problems. For instance, the rise of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the abundance of foods and the need to defend themselves from predators.
In a larger sense, evolution is defined as any change that occurs in the nature of organisms over time. This change can be small like the development of a new coloration, or massive, for instance, the formation of a new organ.
에볼루션 무료체험 who accept the theory of evolution generally recognize the importance of genetic change in generating evolution. They also acknowledge that evolution is a process that takes place over time, typically over a period of millions of years. However, they differ over the role of different factors in speeding or slowing this process, such as the role of environmental pressures, sexual selection and mutation bias. Despite these differences most scientists are still convinced that evolution is real and that the evidence to support this is overwhelming.
What is the Evidence of Evolution?
Since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence to support his theory of evolution. A portion of this evidence comes from fossils which demonstrate the changing features of organisms through time. Another evidence comes from 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 perform different functions in different species, for instance, the wing of a bird or bat. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to a similar environment is also evidence of evolution. For instance, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans have white fur coats that blend into the snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolutionary, which suggests that the species has common ancestral ancestors.
Vestigial structures are another piece of evidence. These are a part of an organism that may have served a purpose in the distant past. The human appendix, for example is an odour from an organ that was used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size when they're no longer in use which is a process referred to as natural selection.
Scientists have also collected other evidence of evolution via observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six different categories: changes that can be observed at small scales, biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomy fossil records, genetics. Each of these categories provides compelling evidence for the evolution of life.
While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution It is an empirical fact. It isn't simply a flimsy theory. It is a potent collection of decades of observations and data that has been proven and tested. Scientists continue to collect and study new information to better understand the arc of the Earth's life regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will help scientists to understand how to avoid future global catastrophes and how to make the most of our planet's resources. This will allow us to better serve the needs of all the people living on this planet.