The Evolution Site
The theory of natural selection as the foundation of evolution is the unifying force in the current biology. It ties together disciplines as diverse as genetics, microbiology, and palaeontology.
The study of evolution can be controversial, and the misinformation that is generated can lead to confusion about the fundamentals of evolution. This site can help explain the most important concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen in populations over time. These changes are a result of natural selection, which increases the amount of organisms that possess beneficial traits that enable them to live and reproduce in a specific environment. The organisms that have these traits produce more offspring because of their positive characteristics. This could lead to a genetic mutation that may eventually lead to new species.
The term "evolution" is often associated with the notion of "survival of the fittest," which means that people who are most well-adapted to a specific set of environmental conditions will have an advantage over those who aren't adapted to the environment. This is just one of many ways in which evolution can happen.
just click the following document " is used is to suggest that a species will inevitably change from one state to the next one. This view of evolution can be described as anagenetic or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution that scientists have developed does not support this idea. 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.
Certain scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this view of evolution. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed that this was only way the higher forms of living could have evolved.
A concept must be able stand against rigorous tests and evidence in order to be considered as a theory. Evolution has stood the test of time and has been proven to be valid in numerous scientific disciplines ranging from geology to biology chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is a cornerstone of science and is backed by the majority of scientists across the globe. However, there are many misconceptions about the nature of the theory of evolution, particularly the relationship it has with 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 a few well-established facts: that many more offspring are produced than can be surviving and that different individuals have their physical characteristics, and that they are able to pass on traits to the next generation. These findings are supported by the increasing amount of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, climatology, functional morphology and geology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently conceived the theory of evolution through selection in the mid-19th Century as a reason why organisms adapt to their physical and biologic environments. It is today the most supported and most extensively tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions were confirmed by the fact that, for instance, more complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations. The more successful an organism is in terms of its longevity and reproducing the more likely it will transfer its genes to the next generation.
Some people oppose evolution because they believe it implies there is no reason for existence. However, a lot of 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 also enhances it (BioLogos 2014).
In fact, a large number of highly qualified evolutionary biologists, including a few who are respected evangelical Christian leaders have been involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these scientists contributed to the understanding a wide range phenomena, including genomics and phylogenetics as well as the formation and function fossils.
The term "theory" which is often used incorrectly refers to scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over time. Scientists test hypotheses through repeating the experiments or observations that led them to them. Therefore the theory of evolution 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 proportion of genetically distinct individuals within a certain species. This is the result of natural selection, which favors individuals who are more adapted to their environment. The better-adapted individuals have a greater chance of survival and reproduction. As more people survive and reproduce, their genes are more widely distributed in the population. This process is sometimes called "survival of the most fittest."
According to theories of evolution the mutations that cause genomic variation are what drives evolutionary change. These mutations can occur at random or be affected by the environment. If mutations are random, the frequencies of the resulting alleles may vary from generation to generation. However, when a mutation is beneficial it will increase the frequency of the allele, causing it to spread across the population.
Over time, these shifts in allele frequencies could lead to the formation of new species. The new species will evolve and develop into newer forms. This process is known as macroevolution. The creation of new species is usually due to changes in the environment, that make certain resources accessible 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 to protect themselves from predators.
In a larger sense, evolution can be defined as any change in the characteristics of living organisms over time. The change could be minor like the development of a new coloration or massive, for instance, the formation of a new organ.
Scientists who believe in evolution theory generally believe that genetic change is crucial in the process of the process of generating evolution. They also agree that the process of evolution takes place over a long period of time, typically millions of years. They differ on the importance of various factors that may speed up or slow down this process. For instance the role played by sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists believe that evolution is real and that the evidence to prove it is overwhelming.
What evidence can be found 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 living organisms over time. Similarities between living and non-living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography, and genetics are further evidence.
The main proof of evolution is found in the evolutionary tree, which illustrates how species are related. Another evidence source is homologous structures, which share a similar structure in different species but perform distinct functions like the wings of bats and birds. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to a similar environment is also a sign of evolution. For instance, arctic-foxes and ptarmigans grow seasonal white pelts to blend in with snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolutionary process, which suggests that the species share common ancestors.
The vestiges of structures are another source of evidence. These are a part of an organism that may have served a purpose in the past. The human appendix for instance, is a vestige from an organ that was once used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size once they are no longer used which is a process referred to as natural selection.
Scientists have also gathered additional evidence for 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 anatomy fossil records, genetics. Each of these provides compelling evidence that evolution of life has taken place.
Although many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, it is an established fact. It isn't simply a flimsy theory. It is a powerful collection of years of research and observation that has been tested and proven. Scientists continue to gather and study new information to better understand the arc of Earth's evolution regardless of whether or not people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will aid scientists understand how to prevent future catastrophes on the planet and how to best use the resources of our planet. This information will also help us better meet the needs and wants of the people who live on our planet.