The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution through natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It connects disciplines that are as diverse as genetics microbiology and Palaeontology.
However, the study of evolution is often controversial and the misinformation that results can confuse people about the fundamentals of evolution. This site clarifies the most fundamental 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 result of natural selection. This is a process which increases the number of organisms with beneficial traits, which enable them to live and reproduce in certain environments. These organisms produce more offspring as a result of the beneficial traits. This leads to a genetic change that can eventually lead to the creation of new species.
The term "evolution" is often associated with the notion of "survival of the strongest," which means that people who are most well-adapted to a specific environment will be more successful than those who aren't adapted to the environment. In actuality this is just one of many ways that evolution can occur.
Another popular way to use the word evolution is to suggest that species will progress from one state to the next. This view of evolution is known as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This view is not supported by the definition of evolution that is scientifically accepted. The theory of evolution that is based on science changes focuses on the changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result mutations that result from natural selection and genomic variation.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who supported this theory. 에볼루션 사이트 , notably Alfred Russel Wallace, who came up with the macroevolution theory and believed that this was the only way that the higher forms of life could be derived from lower forms.
For a concept to be considered a theory, it must be able to stand up to rigorous tests and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time and has been proven to be valid in numerous scientific disciplines ranging from geology to biology, from astronomy to chemistry. Evolution is a cornerstone of science and is believed by the majority of scientists across the globe. However, many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, specifically how it relates to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is the scientific explanation for the way living things change over time. It is based on few known facts: that more offspring are created 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 and morphology.
The theory of evolution through natural selection was conceived independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the late 19th century to explain why organisms are adapted to their physical and biological environment. It is now the best-supported and widely-tested theory in all of science. Its predictions have been proved out by the evidence that, for instance more complex organisms are more likely to have less genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism is in terms of survival and reproducing, the more likely it is to pass its genes on to the next generation.
Some people oppose evolution because they believe that it implies there is no purpose for life. However, many scientists who are also religious believers like the famous Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not just compatible with belief 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, including some respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these scientists contributed to the understanding a wide range phenomena, including genomics and phylogenetics, and also the formation and function of fossils.
The term "theory" is often used in a wrong sense to mean a guess or speculation, when in fact it is a scientific hypothesis that has been systematically tested and refined over time. Scientists test their theories by repeating the experiments or observations that have led to them. Thus, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly tested out as have the corresponding theories of Copernican, germ and atomic theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is a gradual shift in the proportions of genetically different individuals within a particular species over time. This change is the result of natural selection of those who are better adapted to their environment. The better-adapted individuals have a better chance of survival and reproduction. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce their genes, they become more common in the population. This is sometimes referred to as "survival for the fittest."
According to evolution theory the mutations that cause genetic variation are the primary reason for evolutionary change. These mutations can occur randomly or be affected by the environment. When mutations are random, the frequencies of the resulting alleles may vary from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial it can increase the frequency of the allele which causes the allele to be spread across the population.
The changes in frequency of alleles can result in new species as time passes. The new species will develop and evolve into new forms. This is a process called macroevolution. The creation of an entirely new species is typically caused by changes in the environment that make certain kinds of resources available or cause new environmental challenges. For instance, the rise of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of various food sources and the need to protect themselves from predators.
In a broader context the term "evolution" can be described as any change in the characteristics of living organisms over time. The change could be minor like the development of a new coloration, or large, such as the development of a brand new organ.
Scientists who accept the theory of evolution generally agree on the significance of genetic change in the process that causes evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution takes place over a long period of time, usually millions of years. However, they differ over the importance of different factors that speed up or slow down the process, including the impact of environmental pressures, sexual selection and mutation bias. Despite these differences scientists believe that evolution is happening and the evidence to prove this is overwhelming.
What is the Evidence of Evolution?
Since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence that supports his theory of evolution. The evidence comes from fossils that show the evolution of organisms over time. Similarities between living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography and genetics are evidence.
The evolutionary tree is the best method of proving evolution. It demonstrates how species are related. Homologous structures are another proof. They share a common structure but serve different purposes in different species, for instance, the wing of a bird or bat. Evolution is evident in the way that different species adapt and develop to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans sport white fur coats that blend into the snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolutionary, which suggests that the species have common ancestral ancestors.
Another piece of evidence is the existence of vestigial structures. These are unused parts of an organism that could have served a function in the distant ancestors. The human appendix, for instance is a remnant of an organ that once used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size once they are no longer utilized, a process known as natural selection.
Scientists have also collected evidence of evolution through observation and experimenting. The evidence for evolution can be classified into six distinct categories: directly observed changes at a small scale biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomy fossil records, genetics. Each of these provides compelling evidence that evolution of life took place.
Although many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution it is an established fact. It is not a theory, but a powerful collection that is founded on decades of observation. Scientists continue to collect and study new information to better understand the arc of Earth's existence regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will help scientists better understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and how to best use the resources on our planet. This information will also allow us to better meet the needs and wants of all the people living on our planet.