The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution based on natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It connects disciplines such as genetics, palaeontology and microbiology.
The study of evolution can be controversial and the misinformation that comes from it can cause confusion about its fundamentals. This site clarifies 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 the result of natural selection, which increases the number of organisms who have traits that are beneficial and enable them to live and reproduce in a particular environment. They produce more offspring because of their positive characteristics. This could result in a genetic mutation which could eventually result in new species.
The term "evolution" is often associated with the notion of "survival of the fittest," which implies that those individuals who are best adapted to a specific set of environmental conditions will be more successful than those who aren't well-adapted. In actuality it is only one of the many ways that evolution could occur.
Another way of using the term "evolution" is to suggest that a species will progress from one state to the next. This view of evolution can be referred to as anagenetic, or cladogenesis. This view is not supported by the definition of evolution that is scientifically accepted. The theory of evolution that is based on science change is based on changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are caused by mutations that produce natural selection and genetic variation.
Some scientists, such as the great Charles Darwin, advocated this theory of evolution. Others, such as Alfred Russel Wallace, who created the macroevolution theory and believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could have evolved from the lower ones.
To be able to be referred to as a theory, it has to be capable of surviving rigorous testing and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time and has been supported in many scientific disciplines, from geology to biology, chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is the foundation of science and is supported by the majority of scientists around the globe. However, many people have 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 of how living things change over time. It is based on few established facts: that more offspring are produced than can be surviving and that different individuals have their physical characteristics and that they can pass on traits to future generations. These findings are supported by the growing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, climatology, functional morphology and geology.
The theory of evolution by natural selection was developed independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the late 19th century as an explanation for the reason that organisms are adapted to their biological and physical environments. It is the most well-supported and tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions were confirmed by the fact, for example that more complex organisms have less genetic mutations. In addition, the more efficient an organism is in reproduction and survival, the more likely it will be to pass on its genes to the next generation.
Some people oppose evolution because they think it implies there is no reason for existence. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious like the famous Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not only compatible with faith in God but is enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).
Many highly qualified evolutionary biologists have been involved in developing 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 genomics and phylogenetics, as well as the formation and function fossils.
The word "theory" which is often used incorrectly refers to scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over a period of time. Scientists test hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that led them to the conclusion. So the theory of evolutionary theory has been repeatedly confirmed, as have the corresponding theories of Copernican theory, atomic theory, and germ theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is the gradual shift over time in the proportion of genetically distinct individuals within a specific species. This is the result of natural selection, which favors individuals who are more adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have a greater chance of survival and reproduction. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce, their genes are more prevalent in the population. This is often described as "survival of the most fittest."
According to the theory of evolution the mutations that result in genomic variation are the raw basis for evolutionary change. These mutations can occur at random or under the influence of the environment. When mutations are random, the resulting allele frequencies may vary from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial it will increase the allele frequency, causing the allele to be spread across the population.
The changes in frequency of alleles can result in new species over time. The new species could develop further and evolve into newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The formation of new species is often a result of changes in the environment, which make certain resources available or creates new environmental problems. For instance, the rise of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of different food sources and the need defend themselves from predators.
In a wider context, evolution is defined as any change that takes place in the characteristics of organisms over the course of time. This change can be subtle, such as the development of new colors or dramatic, like the development of an organ.
Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally agree that genetic change is crucial in the process of the process of generating evolution. Full Piece of writing acknowledge that the process of evolution occurs over a long time, typically millions of years. They 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, the majority of scientists believe that evolution is real and that the evidence in support of this is overwhelming.
What is the Evidence of Evolution?
In the decades since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence to support Darwin's theory of evolution. This evidence is gathered from fossils which show the evolution of living organisms over time. Another evidence comes from similarities between living organisms, embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
The evolutionary tree is the most effective method of proving evolution. It shows how different species are related. Homologous structures are another evidence. They share a similar structure but perform different functions in different species, for instance, the wings of a bat or bird. Evolution is also evident in the fact that different species adapt and grow to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and ptarmigans have seasonal white pelts to blend into snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolutionary process which suggests that the species share ancestral ancestors.
Vestigial structures are a different piece of evidence. These are a part of an organism which may serve a function in the past. For example the human appendix may be a vestige of a once-used organ used to digest food. Natural selection is a process that causes these structures to shrink as they are no longer used.
Scientists have also gathered additional evidence for evolution through observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six different categories: changes that can be observed at small scales, biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomy fossil records, genetics. Each of these provides convincing evidence that evolution of life has occurred.
Many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution. However, it is an established fact. It is not a theory but a significant collection founded on decades of observation. Scientists continue to collect and analyze new data to better understand the arc of Earth's existence regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will help scientists to better understand how to avoid future global catastrophes, and how to best utilize the resources on our planet. This information will also allow us to better meet the needs and wants of the people who live on our planet.