The Evolution Site
The concept of natural selection as the underlying principle of evolution is the unifying force in the field of modern biology. It brings together disciplines such as microbiology, palaeontology, and genetics.
However the study of evolution is often controversial and the resultant misinformation can confuse people regarding its basic concepts. 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 caused by natural selection, a process that increases the number of organisms who possess beneficial traits that help them survive and reproduce in a specific environment. These organisms produce more offspring as a result of the positive characteristics. This can lead to a genetic mutation that could eventually result in new species.
The term "evolution" is usually associated with "survival-of-the fittest" which implies that people who are better adjusted to certain conditions will have a distinct advantage over those who are less well-adapted. However this is just one of the many different ways that evolution could occur.
Another way that the word evolution is used is to suggest that a species will invariably progress from one state to the next one. This view of evolution can be referred to as anagenetic, or cladogenesis. This theory is not supported by the definition of evolution in science. Instead the scientific theory of evolution concentrates on the changes that occur within populations over time and these changes are the result of mutations that produce genomic variation and natural selection.
Some scientists, such as the great Charles Darwin, advocated this view of evolution. Others, notably Alfred Russel Wallace, who developed the theory of macroevolution and believed that this was the only way that the higher forms of life could have evolved from the lower ones.
In order for a concept to be considered a theory, it has to be capable of surviving rigorous testing and evidence. The evidence for evolution has stood up to the test of time and has been backed by countless studies in various scientific disciplines, ranging from biology to geology to chemistry to astronomy. In fact evolution is regarded as one of the cornerstones of science today, and it is supported by the majority of scientists worldwide. Many people are misinformed about the nature of the theory of evolution, especially how it relates to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is an explanation in science of how living things change with time. It is based on a few well-established facts: that many more offspring are created than can be surviving as individuals differ in their physical characteristics and that they can transmit traits to future generations. These findings are supported by the increasing amount of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, functional morphology, climatology, and geology.
The theory of evolution through natural selection was developed independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the mid-19th century as an explanation for how organisms adapt to their biological and physical environments. It is today the most supported and most widely tested theory in all of science. Its predictions were proved by the fact, for example that more complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations. Additionally, the more successful an organism is at reproduction and survival in its ability to reproduce, the more likely it is to pass on its genes to the next generation.
Some people oppose evolution because they believe it implies that there is no reason for existence. However, many scientists who are also religious believers, such as the prominent Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not only compatible with belief in God but can be enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).
In fact, a large number of highly qualified evolutionary biologists, including a few who are respected evangelical Christian leaders are involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these scientists contributed to the understanding a vast array of phenomena, such as genomics and phylogenetics and also the formation and function fossils.
The word "theory" which is often misused, refers to a scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over a long period of time. Scientists test their theories by repeating experiments or observations that led to them. So, the theory of evolutionary theory has been repeatedly confirmed, along with the related theories of Copernican theory, atomic theory, and germ 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 specific species. This change is the result of natural selection of individuals that are better adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adapted have higher chances of reproducing and survival. As more people live and reproduce their genes are more widely distributed within the population. This is sometimes referred to as "survival for the fittest."
According to evolution theory the causes of mutations that result in genetic variation are the primary reason for evolutionary change. 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. However, when the mutation is beneficial it increases the frequency of the allele, causing it to spread throughout the population.
These changes in allele frequency can lead to new species as time passes. The new species could continue to evolve and become newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The development of new species is typically caused by changes in the environment which makes certain resources available or creates new environmental problems. For example, the evolution of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of various food sources and the need protect themselves from predators.
In a wider context, evolution is defined as any change that occurs in the nature of organisms over time. The change could be subtle, like the development of new coloration or a dramatic change, such as the formation of an organ.
Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally agree that genetic change is important in creating evolution. They also agree that the process of evolution occurs over a lengthy period of time, typically millions of years. 에볼루션게이밍 differ on the importance of various factors that could speed up or slow down the process. For example the role played by sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these differences most scientists still believe 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 collected evidence to support his theory of evolution. A portion of this evidence comes from fossils, which show the changing characteristics of living things over time. Similarities between living and non-living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography, and genetics are evidence.
The evolutionary tree is the most effective way to prove evolution. It demonstrates how species are related. Homologous structures are another proof. They have a similar structure but serve different purposes in different species, for instance, the wings of a bat or bird. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to a similar environment is also a sign of evolution. For instance, arctic foxes and ptarmigans have seasonal white pelts that blend into snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolutionary, which suggests that the species had common ancestors.
Vestigial structures are a different piece of evidence. These are parts of an organism that could have served a purpose in the distant past. The human appendix, for example is a remnant of an organ that was used to digest food. Natural selection causes these structures to shrink as they are no longer used.
Scientists have also collected evidence for evolution by observing and experimenting. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six different categories: directly observable changes at small scales biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomies fossil records and genetics. Each of these provides convincing evidence that evolution of life took place.
Many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution. However, it is an actual fact. It is not simply a flimsy theory. It is a potent collection of decades of research and observation that has been proven and tested. No matter what people believe or disbelieve about the theory of evolution, scientists continue to study and discover new information in order to further comprehend the evolution of life on Earth. This information will aid scientists understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and also how to best use our planet's resources. This information will also help us better meet the needs and desires of the people living on this planet.