The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution through natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It ties together disciplines as diverse as genetics, microbiology and the study of palaeontology.
The study of evolution may be controversial and the misinformation that results can lead to confusion over its basic concepts. This site can help explain the most important concepts.
What is Evolution?
The current understanding of evolution focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen 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 enable them to thrive and reproduce in particular environments. These organisms produce more offspring because of the beneficial characteristics. This could cause a genetic change that 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 be more successful than those who aren't well-adapted. In reality this is just one of the many different ways in which evolution can occur.
Another way that the term "evolution" is used is to suggest that a species will inevitably change from one state of being to the next one. This type of view of evolution is referred to as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This view is not supported by the definition of evolution in science. The evolutionary theory that scientists have developed change is based on changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result mutations that result from natural selection and genetic variation.
Certain scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this theory of evolution. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed this was the only way that higher living forms could have evolved.
In order for a concept to be called a theory, it must be capable of surviving rigorous testing and evidence. The evidence for evolution has stood the test of time and has been supported by numerous studies in many sciences, from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. In actual fact, evolution is accepted as one of the cornerstones of science today, and is backed by the majority of scientists around the world. Many people are misinformed about the nature of evolution theory and how it connects with religion.
What is click the following article of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is an explanation for how living things change with time. It is based on a few well-established facts: that many more offspring are born than can be surviving, that individuals differ in their physical characteristics, and that they can pass on traits to the next generation. These observations are supported by a growing body of evidence drawn from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional geology, morphology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution based on selection in the mid-19th Century as a way to explain how organisms are able to adapt to their biological and physical environments. It is the most widely accepted and tested theory in science. Its predictions were confirmed by the fact that for instance, more complex organisms have less genetic mutations. Additionally, the more successful an organism is at reproduction and survival and reproducing, the more likely it is to pass its genes to the next generation.
Some people are against evolution based on the belief that it implies that there is no purpose to life. Many scientists who are religious believers like Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014), believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and is even enhanced by it.
In reality, a large number of highly trained evolutionary biologists, some of who are renowned evangelical Christian leaders have been involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these researchers contributed to the understanding of a vast array of phenomena, such as genomics and phylogenetics and also the formation and function of fossils.
The term "theory" is often used incorrectly to mean an assumption or speculation but in reality it is a scientific hypothesis that has been rigorously evaluated and refined over time. Scientists test their hypotheses by repeating experiments or observations that led to them. Thus, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly borne out and so have the theories of Copernican, germ theory, and atomic theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is the gradual change over time in the percentage of genetically distinct individuals within a certain species. This is the result of natural selection of individuals that are more well-adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adaptable have a better chance of survival and reproduction. As more people survive and reproduce, their genes are more common in the general population. This is sometimes referred to as "survival for the fittest."
According to the theory of evolution the mutations that result in genomic variation are the raw material for evolution. These mutations could 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, causing the allele to spread throughout the population.
Over time, 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 a process called macroevolution. The creation of a new species is usually caused by changes in the environment which provide certain types of resources available or create new environmental challenges. For instance, the development of finches in the Galapagos Islands is a result of the abundance of food sources and the need defend themselves from predators.
In a wider context the term "evolution" refers to any change that takes place in the nature of organisms over the course of time. This change can be subtle, such as the development of new coloration or dramatic, like the formation of an organ.
Scientists who accept the theory of evolution generally agree on the importance of genetic change in the process that causes evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution occurs over a long period of time, usually millions of years. They differ on the importance of various factors that could speed up or slow down the process. For example the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists believe that evolution has occurred and the evidence to prove this is overwhelming.
What is the Evidence of Evolution?
Since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence to support his theory of evolution. This evidence is gathered from fossils which show the evolution of organisms over time. Similarities between living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography, and genetics are further evidence.
The evolutionary tree is the most effective method of proving evolution. It demonstrates how species are related. Another way to prove it is homologous structures, which have similar structures in different species but perform distinct functions, such as the wings of bats and birds. Evolution is evident in the way that various species adapt and evolve to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and ptarmigans develop seasonal white pelts to blend into snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolution, which suggests that the species has common ancestral ancestors.
Another evidence point is vestigial structures, which are unusable parts of an organism that could have served a purpose in the distant ancestor. For example the human appendix is a vestige of a once-used organ that served to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size as they are no longer used which is a process referred to as natural selection.
Scientists have also gathered evidence for evolution through observation and experimenting. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six distinct categories: directly observable changes at small scales, biogeographic distributions and comparative anatomies fossil records and genetics. Each of these categories provides solid evidence for the evolution of life.
While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution, it is an empirical fact. It isn't only a theory, it is a powerful collection of decades of observation and accumulated data that has been proven and tested. No matter what people believe or don't believe about the theory of evolution scientists continue to research and collect new data in order to further comprehend the evolution of life on Earth. This information will help scientists understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and how to make the most of our planet's resources. This information will also help us better serve the needs and wants of the people who live on this planet.