The Evolution Site
The theory of natural selection as the underlying principle of evolution is the unifying force in the field of modern biology. It combines disciplines such as genetics, palaeontology and microbiology.
However, the study of evolution is often controversial and the resulting misinformation can confuse people regarding the fundamentals of evolution. This site clarifies the most fundamental concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that take place in populations over time. These changes are the result of natural selection. This is a process that increases the number of organisms that have beneficial traits, which enable them to live and reproduce in certain environments. These organisms produce more offspring as a result of their positive traits. This leads to the genetic changes that can eventually lead to the development of new species.
The term "evolution", is often associated with "survival-of-the fittest" which implies that individuals who are better adjusted to certain conditions will have an advantage over those who are less well-adapted. This is only one of the many ways that evolution could happen.
Another popular way in which the term "evolution" is used is to suggest that a species will inevitably move from one state of being to the next one. This view of evolution is known as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This is not backed by the definition of evolution that is scientifically accepted. The scientific theory of evolutionary changes focuses on the changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result mutations that produce natural selection and genomic variation.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who supported this theory. Others, notably Alfred Russel Wallace, who developed the theory of macroevolution and believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could have evolved from the lower ones.
A concept must be able stand up to rigorous tests and evidence to be considered as a theory. The evidence for evolution has stood up to the test of time and has been backed by numerous studies in many sciences, from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. In actual fact, evolution is accepted as one of the foundations of science today, and it is backed by the vast majority of scientists worldwide. 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 an explanation in science of the way living things change over time. It is based on a few well-established facts: that many more offspring are created than can be surviving, that individuals differ in their physical characteristics, and that they can transmit traits to future generations. These observations are supported by an increasing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional geology and morphology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution based on selection in the mid-19th century as a way to explain how organisms are able to adapt to their physical and biologic environments. It is the most well-supported and validated theory in science. Its predictions were proved by the fact that for instance, more complex organisms have less genetic mutations. The more successful an organism becomes in terms of survival and reproducing, the more likely it is to pass its genes on to future generations.
Some people are against evolution based on the belief that it implies that there is no meaning 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.
In reality, a large number of highly skilled evolutionary biologists, some of who are respected evangelical Christian leaders have been involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these researchers contributed to the understanding of a wide range phenomena, including phylogenetics and genomics, as well as the formation and function of fossils.
The word "theory" is sometimes used incorrectly to mean a speculation or guess but in reality it refers to a scientific hypothesis that has been systematically evaluated and refined over time. Scientists test their hypotheses by repeating experiments or observations that have led to them. Therefore, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly proven 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 specific species. This change is a result of natural selection of individuals that are more well-adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have higher chances of reproducing and survival. As more people live and reproduce their genes are more widely distributed within the population. This process is sometimes called "survival of the most fittest."
According to the theory of evolution the mutations that result in genomic variation are the primary material for evolution. These mutations could occur at random, or under the influence of the environment. When mutations occur at random and occur in a random manner, the frequency of the allele can vary from generation-to-generation. However, when a mutation is beneficial it increases the frequency of the allele, causing it to spread throughout the population.
Over time, these shifts in the frequencies of alleles can result in the creation of new species. The new species may develop further and evolve into newer forms. This is a process known as macroevolution. The creation of new species is often due to changes in the environment which make certain resources available or creates new environmental problems. 에볼루션 게이밍 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 larger sense, evolution is defined as any change that takes place in the traits of organisms over time. The change could be subtle, such as the development of new coloration or dramatic, like the formation of an organ.
Scientists who accept the theory of evolution generally agree on the significance of genetic changes in the process of generating evolution. They also agree that the process of evolution happens over a long time, usually millions of years. They differ on the importance of various factors that may speed up or slow down this process. For example the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these disagreements, most scientists believe that evolution is real and the evidence to support this is overwhelming.
What evidence do we have to support evolution?
Since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence to support his theory of evolution. A portion of this evidence is derived from fossils which reveal the changing traits of organisms through time. Additional evidence can be found in the similarities between living organisms, embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
The main proof of evolution is found in the evolutionary tree, which illustrates how different species are related. Another evidence source is homologous structures, which share a similar structures in different species but serve different purposes like the wings of bats and birds. Evolution is evident in that various species adapt and evolve to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans sport white seasonal pelts that blend into the snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolutionary process which suggests that the species share ancestral ancestors.
Another evidence point is vestigial structures, which are unusable organs which could have served a function in a distant ancestor. For example the human appendix is a vestige of a once-used organ that was used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size as they are no longer utilized, a process known as natural selection.
Scientists have also gathered other evidence of evolution through observation and experimentation. Evidence for evolution is grouped into six categories: directly visible small-scale changes, biogeographic patterns and comparative anatomy, the fossil record, classification and genetics. Each of these provides convincing evidence that the evolution of life took place.
Although many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, it is an established fact. It is not a theory but rather a powerful collection that is built on years of observation. Whatever people believe or disbelieve about the theory of evolution, scientists continue to study and collect new data in order to further understand the history of life on Earth. This information will help scientists to better understand how we can avoid future catastrophes on the planet, and how best to make use of the resources on our planet. This will allow us to better serve the needs of people on this planet.