The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution through 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 results can lead to confusion about its fundamentals. This site explains the fundamental concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen in populations over time. These changes are the results of natural selection. This is a process that increases the number organisms with beneficial traits, which allow them to survive and reproduce in specific environments. This means that these organisms produce more offspring than those who don't possess the beneficial characteristics. This leads to a genetic change that can eventually lead to the development of new species.
The term "evolution" is usually associated with "survival-of-the fittest" which implies that individuals who are more adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have a distinct advantage over those less well adapted. This is just one of many ways in which evolution can occur.
Another way that the term "evolution" is used is to suggest that a species will inevitably progress from one state of being to the next state of being. This kind of view can be described as anagenetic, or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution in science does not support this idea. Instead, the theory of evolution that is scientifically based focuses on changes that occur within populations over time, and these changes are caused by mutations that produce genomic variation and natural selection.
에볼루션사이트 was one of the scientists who backed this view. Others, such as Alfred Russel Wallace, who came up with the macroevolution theory and believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could be derived from lower forms.
For a concept to be called a theory, it must be able to stand up to rigorous testing and evidence. The evidence for evolution has stood up to the test of time and has been supported by countless studies in various sciences, from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. In fact evolution is considered to be one of the cornerstones of science today, and it is supported by the 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 for the way living things change over time. It is based on a variety of well-established observations such as the fact that more offspring are created than are likely to survive in the long run; that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that various traits have different rates of reproduction and survival and reproduction; and that these traits can be passed on to the next generation. These findings are backed by a growing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional geology, morphology.
The theory of evolution by natural selection was initially conceived by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the late 19th century as an explanation for how organisms adapt to their physical and biological environment. It is the most widely accepted and tested theory in science. Its predictions were proven by the evidence that, for instance, more complex organisms have less genetic mutations. In addition, the more successful an organism is at surviving and reproducing in its ability to reproduce, the more likely it will be to pass its genes to future generations.
Some people are against evolution because they believe it implies that there is no purpose to life. Many scientists who are religious such as the Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014) believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and even enhanced by it.
Many highly qualified evolutionary biologists have been involved in constructing and testing the theory of evolution, which includes several revered evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these researchers contributed to the understanding of a broad range of phenomena, including phylogenetics and genomics, as well as the formation and function fossils.
The word "theory" which is often misused is a reference to a scientific hypotheses that have been tested and refined over a long period of time. Scientists test their hypotheses by repeating the experiment or observations that resulted in them. Thus the theory of evolution theory has been repeatedly proven, along with the related 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 shift over time in the ratio of genetically distinct individuals within a particular species. This change is a result of natural selection, which favors those who are more adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have better chances of reproduction and survival. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce their genes, they are more prevalent in the general population. This is sometimes called "survival of the fittest."
According to the theory of evolution the mutations that cause genetic variation are the basic basis for evolutionary change. These mutations could occur at random, or under the influence of the environment. When mutations occur randomly, the allele frequencies can vary from generation-to-generation. In contrast, when a mutation is beneficial, it can increase the frequency of the allele, causing it to spread through the population.
Over time, these changes in the frequencies of alleles can result in the creation of new species. The new species may continue to evolve and become newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The development of an entirely new species is typically caused by changes in the environment that allow certain kinds of resources to become available or create new environmental challenges. For example, the evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of various foods and the need to protect themselves from predators.
In a larger sense, evolution is defined as any change that takes place in the nature of organisms over the course of time. The change could be subtle, like the development of new coloration or dramatic, like the formation of an organ.
Scientists who accept the theory of evolution generally recognize the importance of genetic change in generating evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution happens over a long time, usually millions of years. They differ on the importance of different factors that could speed up or slow down this process. For instance, the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these differences most scientists are still convinced that evolution is real and the evidence to prove it is overwhelming.
What is the Evidence of Evolution?
Since Darwin's time scientists have collected evidence to back his theory of evolution. The evidence comes from fossils that demonstrate the evolution of living organisms over time. Other evidence is found in 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 connected. 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 develop and adapt to the same environment is also a sign of evolution. For instance, arctic foxes and Ptarmigans sport white seasonal pelts which blend with snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolution that suggests that the species have common ancestral ancestors.
Another piece of evidence is the existence of vestige structures, which are unused parts of an organism that could serve a purpose in a distant ancestor. For instance, the human appendix is remnants of an earlier organ used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size when they are no longer utilized in a process called natural selection.
Scientists have also collected evidence of evolution through observation and testing. The evidence for evolution can be classified into six distinct categories: directly observable changes at a smaller scale biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomy, the fossil record and genetics. Each of these provides compelling evidence that the evolution of life has occurred.
Many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution. But, it's an established fact. It isn't just a theory; it is a potent collection of years of observations and data that has been tested and proven. Whatever people believe or disbelieve about the theory of evolution scientists continue to research and collect new data in order to further understand the history of life on Earth. This information will aid scientists to understand how to avoid future catastrophes on the planet and how to make the most of the resources of our planet. This information will also allow us to better meet the needs and desires of all the people living on this planet.