The Evolution Site
The theory of natural selection as the foundation of evolution is the central force in the field of modern biology. It ties together disciplines as diverse as genetics, microbiology, and the study of palaeontology.
The study of evolution may be controversial and the misinformation that is generated can lead to confusion about its fundamentals. This site clarifies essential concepts.
What is Evolution?
The current understanding of evolution is based on the gradual, cumulative changes that occur within populations over time. These changes are a result of natural selection, a process that increases the number of organisms that have beneficial traits that allow them to survive and reproduce in a particular environment. This means that these organisms produce more offspring than those that don't possess the beneficial characteristics. This causes a genetic change that can eventually lead to the creation of new species.
The term "evolution" is usually associated with "survival-of-the best" which means that those who are more adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have a distinct advantage over those less well adapted. However, this is only one of many ways in which evolution can occur.
Another way to use the term "evolution" is to suggest that species are able to move from one stage to the next. This view of evolution is called anagenetic or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution that scientists have developed is not in agreement with this view. The scientific theory of evolutionary change is based on changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result of mutations that produce natural selection and genetic variation.
Certain scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this view of evolution. Others, notably Alfred Russel Wallace, who created the macroevolution theory and believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could be derived from lower forms.
A concept must be able stand up to rigorous tests and evidence to be considered as a theory. Evolution has stood the test of time, and has been backed by many scientific disciplines, from geology to biology chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is the foundation of science and is backed by the majority of scientists across the world. However, many people have misconceptions about the nature of the theory of evolution, particularly how it relates to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is an explanation for how living things change with 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 observations are backed up by an increasing body of evidence derived from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional morphology geology.
The theory of evolution by natural selection was initially conceived by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the mid-19th century as an explanation for the reason that organisms are adapted to their physical and biological environment. It is the most widely accepted and validated theory in science. Its predictions have been proved out by the fact that, for instance, more complex organisms tend to have less genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism becomes in terms of its longevity and reproducing the more likely it is to transmit its genes to the next generation.
Some people are against evolution because they believe that it implies that there is no reason to life. However, many 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 also enhances it (BioLogos 2014).
Many highly qualified evolutionary biologists have been involved in the development and testing the theory of evolution, including some respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these scientists have contributed to the understanding of a vast variety of phenomena such as phylogenetics, genomics and the formation and function of fossils.
The word "theory", which is often used incorrectly is a reference to a scientific hypotheses that have been tested and refined over a period of time. Scientists test hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that led them to their conclusions. Therefore, the theory of evolutionary theory has been repeatedly confirmed, as well as the related 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 percentage of genetically distinct individuals within a specific species. This change is a result of natural selection, which favors individuals who are better adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adapted have better chances of reproduction and survival. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce their genes become more common in the general population. This process is sometimes referred to as "survival for the strongest."
According to 에볼루션 바카라 무료 of evolution the mutations that cause genetic variation are the basic material of evolutionary change. These mutations may occur randomly or under the influence of the environment. When mutations occur at random and occur in a random manner, the frequency of the allele may vary from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it can increase the frequency of the allele, causing the allele to spread throughout the population.
Over time, these shifts in allele frequencies could result in the creation of new species. The new species may continue to evolve and become newer forms. This is a process known as macroevolution. The formation of an entirely new species is typically caused by changes in the environment that make certain kinds of resources available or cause new environmental challenges. The development of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example, is due to the availability of new foods and the necessity to defend themselves against predators.
In a broader context it is possible to define evolution as any change in the characteristics of living organisms over time. This change can be small or even the creation of a new coloration or even massive, like the formation of a new organ.
Scientists who accept evolution theory generally agree that genetic change is essential in creating evolution. They also agree that the process of evolution happens over a long period of time, typically millions of years. They differ in the importance of various factors that may speed up or slow down this process. For instance, the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures, and mutation bias. Despite these disagreements, most scientists believe that evolution is real and that the evidence to support this is overwhelming.
What evidence do we have to support evolution?
Since Darwin's time scientists have collected evidence to support his theory of evolution. This evidence is gathered from fossils which show the evolution of organisms over time. Similarities between living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography and genetics are evidence.
The most important proof of evolution can be found in the evolutionary tree, which illustrates how different species are related. Another source of evidence is homologous structures, which have a similar structure in different species but perform distinct functions, such as the wings of bats and birds. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to the same environment is also evidence of evolution. For example, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans wear white pelts during the winter months that blend in with the snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolutionary process, which suggests that the species share ancestors.
Another piece of evidence is vestigial structures, which are unutilized organs that may serve a purpose in the distant ancestors. For instance, the human appendix is a vestige of a once-used organ that served to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size once they are no longer utilized in a process called natural selection.
Scientists have also collected other evidence for evolution through observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six categories: directly observable small-scale changes in biogeographic distribution, comparative anatomy, the fossil record, genetics, and classification. Each of these provides convincing evidence that the evolution of life took place.
While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution it is an empirical fact. It is not a theory but a powerful collection that is based on years of observation. Regardless of what people believe or deny about the theory of evolution scientists continue to research and collect new data to better know the story of life on Earth. This information will allow scientists to better understand how we can avoid future catastrophes on the planet, and how to best utilize the resources on our planet. This will allow us to better meet the needs of all the people living on this planet.