The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution based on natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. It connects disciplines that are as diverse as genetics microbiology, and palaeontology.
The study of evolution may be controversial, and the misinformation that is generated can lead to confusion about its fundamentals. This site clarifies essential 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 organisms with beneficial traits, which enable them to survive and reproduce in certain environments. They produce more offspring because of the beneficial characteristics. This leads to an alteration in genetics that could eventually lead to the formation of new species.
The term "evolution" is often associated with the notion of "survival of the fittest," which implies that those people who are most well-adapted to a particular environment will be more successful than those who are not well-adapted. This is only one of the many ways in which evolution can occur.
Another way of using the word evolution is to suggest that a species are able to move from one stage to the next. This type of view of evolution is known as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This view is not supported by the definition of evolution in science. The scientific theory of evolutionary changes focuses on the changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are caused by mutations that result from natural selection and genetic variation.
Some scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this theory of evolution. Others, such as Alfred Russel Wallace, who developed the theory of macroevolution and believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could be derived from lower forms.
In order for a concept to be called a theory, it has to be capable of standing up to rigorous testing and evidence. The evidence of evolution has stood the test of time and has been supported by numerous studies in many scientific disciplines, from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. In actual fact, evolution is accepted as one of the cornerstones of science today and is supported by the vast majority of scientists around the world. Many people have misconceptions regarding the nature of evolution theory and how it connects with religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution?
Evolution is an explanation in science of how living things change with time. It is based on a range of well-established and observable facts such as the fact that more offspring are produced than can possibly survive in the long run; that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that various characteristics result in different rates of reproduction and survival and can be passed on to the next generation. These observations are supported by the growing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology climatology, functional morphology and geology.
The theory of evolution based on natural selection was conceived independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the late 19th century to provide an explanation for the reason that organisms are adapted to their biological and physical environment. It is the most widely accepted and validated theory in science. Its predictions have been proved out by the fact that, for instance more complex organisms tend to have less genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism becomes in terms of its longevity and reproducing the more likely it will transfer its genes to the next generation.
Some people are against evolution because they believe that it implies that there is no reason to life. However, many scientists who are also religious such as the renowned Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not only compatible with belief in God but also enhances it (BioLogos 2014).
Many highly skilled evolutionary biologists have been involved in constructing and testing the theory of evolution, which includes several revered evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these scientists contributed to the understanding of a broad range of phenomena, including phylogenetics and genomics, as well as the formation and function of fossils.
The term "theory" is often used incorrectly to mean a speculation or guess but in reality it refers to a scientific hypothesis that has been systematically evaluated and refined over time. Scientists test their hypotheses by repeating the experiment or observations that led to them. So 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 a result of natural selection, which favors individuals who are better adapted for their environment. The people who are more adaptable have higher chances of reproduction and survival. As more of these people survive and reproduce, their genes become more common within the population. This process is sometimes called "survival for the strongest."
According to the theory of evolution, the mutations that produce genomic variation are the raw material for evolution. These mutations can occur at random or be influenced by the environment. When mutations occur at random, the allele frequencies may vary from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial it will increase the frequency of alleles and cause the allele to spread throughout the population.
Over time, these shifts in allele frequencies can lead to the formation of new species. The new species will evolve and develop into newer forms. This process is known as macroevolution. The formation of an entirely new species is typically caused by changes in the environment which provide certain types of resources available or cause new environmental problems. For instance, the rise of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of different foods and the need to protect themselves from predators.
In a broader context, evolution can be defined as any change in the character of living organisms over time. The change could be minor or even the creation of a new coloration, or massive, for instance, the creation of a new organ.
에볼루션코리아 who accept the theory of evolution generally recognize the importance of genetic change in generating evolution. They also agree that evolution is a process that takes place over time, usually over millions of years. They differ on the importance of different factors that may speed up or slow down this process. For instance, the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures, and mutation bias. Despite these differences most scientists still believe that evolution is real and the evidence in support of this is overwhelming.
What is the Evidence of Evolution?
Since Darwin's time scientists have collected evidence to support his theory of evolution. The evidence comes from fossils that demonstrate the evolution of living organisms over time. Another evidence comes from the similarities between living organisms embryology, biogeography genetics and comparative anatomy.
The evolutionary tree is the best way to prove evolution. It shows how species are related. Another way to prove it is homologous structures, which share a similar structure in different species but serve different purposes like the wings of bats and birds. Evolution is also evident in the fact that various species adapt and evolve to similar environments. For instance, arctic foxes and ptarmigans have seasonal white pelts that blend in with snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolution that suggests that the species have common ancestors.
The vestiges of structures are another source of evidence. These are a part of an organism that may have served a purpose in the distant past. For instance the human appendix may be an oblique reminder of an organ used 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 distinct categories: directly observed changes at small scales, biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomy, the fossil record and genetics. Each of these provides compelling evidence that the evolution of life has occurred.
Although many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, it is an established fact. It is not a theory but a significant collection that is built on years of observation. No matter what people believe or deny about the theory of evolution scientists continue to study and collect new data in order to further understand the history of life on Earth. This information will help scientists to better understand how we can avoid future global catastrophes, and how best to make use of the resources of our planet. This information will also help us better serve the needs and desires of the people who live on this planet.