The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution by natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It brings together disciplines such as microbiology, palaeontology, and genetics.
However the study of evolutionary theory is often controversial, and the misinformation that results can confuse people regarding the fundamentals of evolution. This site can help clarify essential concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory is based on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen in populations over time. These changes are caused by natural selection, a process that increases the amount of organisms that have beneficial traits that enable them to live and reproduce in a specific environment. As a result, these organisms have more offspring than those who do not have 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 "survival-of-the fittest" which implies that individuals who are more adjusted to certain conditions will have a distinct advantage over those who are less well adapted. This is only one of the many ways that evolution could occur.
Another way that the word evolution is used to suggest that a species will eventually move from one state of being to the next state of being. This theory of evolution is referred to as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This view is not supported by the definition of evolution in science. Instead, the scientific theory of evolution concentrates on the changes that take place in populations over time and these changes are the result of genetic mutations and natural selection.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this theory. Others, including Alfred Russel Wallace, who came up with the macroevolution theory, believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could be derived from lower forms.
For a concept to be referred to as a theory, it must be able to stand up to rigorous tests and evidence. The evidence for evolution has stood up to the test of time and has been backed by countless studies in many scientific disciplines, ranging from biology to geology to chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is a fundamental concept in science and is believed by a majority of scientists across the world. Many people are misinformed about the nature of the evolution theory and how it connects with religion.
What is you can try this out of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is the scientific explanation of how living things change over time. It relies on a number of well-established and observable facts that show that more offspring are produced than could possibly survive and that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that distinct traits have different rates of reproduction and survival; and that traits can be passed on to the next generation. These findings are supported by the increasing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology climatology, functional morphology and geology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution through selection in the middle of the 19th century as a reason why organisms are able to adapt to their physical and biological environments. It is currently the most well-supported and widely-tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions have been borne out by the fact that, for example more complex organisms are more likely to have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. In addition the more successful an organism is at being able to reproduce and survive and reproducing, the more likely it will be to pass its genes to the next generation.
Some people are against evolution because they believe that it implies there is no purpose to life. Many scientists who are religious believers, like the Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014), believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and can even be enhanced by it.
Many highly qualified evolutionary biologists have been involved in constructing and testing the theory of evolution, which includes several highly respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these researchers have contributed to the understanding of a vast range of phenomena, including phylogenetics and genomics and the formation and role of fossils.
The word "theory" is often used in a wrong sense to mean a guess or speculation, when in fact it refers to a scientific hypothesis that has been rigorously evaluated and refined over time. Scientists test their theories by repeating the experiments or observations that have led to them. The theory of evolution has been repeatedly tested out as have the corresponding theories of Copernican, atomic 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 the natural selection of those who are more well-adapted to their environment. The better-adapted individuals have a greater chance of survival and reproduction. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce their genes, they are more prevalent in the population. This process is sometimes called "survival for the strongest."
According to theories of evolution the causes of mutations that result in genetic variation are the primary reason for evolution. These mutations may occur at random or under the influence of the environment. If mutations are random, the frequencies of the resulting alleles may vary from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it will increase the frequency of alleles and cause the allele to spread throughout the population.
As time passes, these changes in allele frequencies can result in the creation of new species. The new species will evolve and develop into newer forms. This process is known as macroevolution. The creation of a new species is often due to changes in the environment that make certain kinds of resources available or create new environmental problems. For instance, the development of finches in the Galapagos Islands is a result of the abundance of foods and the need to defend themselves from predators.
In a broader context, evolution can be defined as any change in the characteristics of living organisms over time. The change could be subtle, like the development of new coloration or dramatic, like the formation of an organ.
Scientists who accept evolution theory generally believe that genetic change is crucial in the process of creating evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution occurs over a long time, typically millions of years. They differ in the importance of various factors that may speed up or slow down the 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 that the evidence to prove it is overwhelming.
What is the evidence for evolution?
Since Darwin's time scientists have collected evidence to support his theory of evolution. Some of this evidence comes from fossils which demonstrate the changing features of organisms through time. Additional evidence can be found in similarities among living organisms embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
The evolutionary tree is the best method to prove the existence of evolution. It shows how different species are related. Homologous structures are another evidence. They have a similar structure, but they perform different functions in different species, such as the wing of a bat or bird. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to a similar environment is another sign of evolution. For instance, arctic foxes and ptarmigans develop seasonal white pelts to blend into snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolutionary, which suggests that the species had common ancestors.
Vestigial structures are another piece of evidence. These are a part of an organism which may have served a purpose in the distant past. The human appendix for instance, is a vestige from an organ that was once used to digest food. Natural selection is a process that causes these structures to shrink as they cease to be used.
Scientists have also gathered additional evidence of evolution through observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be classified into six different categories: changes that can be observed at a small scale, biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomies, the fossil record and genetics. Each of these categories offers compelling evidence for the evolution of life.
Although many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution It is a scientific fact. It isn't only a theory, it is a potent collection of years of observations and data that has been tested and proven. Whatever people believe or deny about the theory of evolution scientists continue to study and gather new information to better understand the history of life on Earth. This information will allow scientists to better understand how we can avoid future catastrophes on the planet, and how best to make use of the resources of our planet. This information will also allow us to better meet the needs and wants of the people who live on this planet.