The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution by natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. It combines disciplines such as microbiology, palaeontology, genetics and palaeontology.
However the study of evolutionary theory is often controversial and the resulting misinformation can confuse people about its basic concepts. This Web site helps 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 the result of natural selection. This is a process which increases the number organisms with beneficial traits, which allow them to thrive and reproduce in specific environments. The organisms that have these traits produce more offspring because of the positive characteristics. This leads to an alteration in genetics that could eventually lead to the formation of new species.
The term "evolution", is often associated with "survival-of-the fittest" which implies that individuals who are more adapted to certain environmental conditions will have an advantage over those who are less well-adapted. However this is just one of the many ways in which evolution can occur.
Another way to use the term "evolution" is to suggest that species can change from one state to the next. This view of evolution can be described as anagenetic, or cladogenesis. This theory 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 the result mutations that result from natural selection and genomic variation.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who supported this idea. Others, including 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.
To be able to be referred to as a theory, it must be able to stand up to rigorous tests and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time, and has been proven to be valid in many scientific disciplines, from geology to biology the sciences of astronomy to chemistry. Evolution is a cornerstone of science and is believed by the majority of scientists around the world. However, many people have misconceptions about the nature of the theory of evolution, particularly how it is related to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution?
Evolution is an explanation in science of how living things change with time. It is based upon a few well-established facts: that many more offspring are born than can be surviving, that individuals differ in their physical characteristics, and that they can transmit traits to future generations. These observations are backed up by an increasing body of evidence derived from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional geology and morphology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution through selection in the mid-19th Century as an explanation why organisms adapt to their biological and physical environments. It is now the best-supported and widely-tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions were proven by the evidence, for example that more complex organisms have less genetic mutations. The more successful an organism is in terms of its longevity and reproducing, the more likely it is to pass its genes on to future generations.
Some people oppose evolution based on the belief that it implies that there is no purpose to life. Many scientists who are religious like Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014), believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and even enhanced by it.
In fact, a large number of highly qualified evolutionary biologists, including a few who are renowned evangelical Christian leaders are involved in the development and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these researchers have contributed to the understanding of a broad range of phenomena, including phylogenetics and genomics and the formation and role of fossils.
The term "theory" is often used in a wrong sense to mean an assumption or speculation however it actually is a scientific hypothesis that has been systematically tested 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 a gradual change in the genetically different individuals within a species over time. This is the result of natural selection, which favors individuals who are better adapted for their environment. The individuals who are more adaptable have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. As more of these people survive and reproduce, their genes are more prevalent in the population. This process is sometimes referred to as "survival for the strongest."
According to the theory of evolution the mutations that result in genomic variation are the primary material of evolutionary change. 에볼루션 코리아 may occur randomly or under the influence of the environment. When mutations are random the frequencies of the resulting alleles may differ from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial it will increase the allele frequency which causes the allele to spread throughout the population.
As time passes, these changes in the frequencies of alleles can lead to the formation of new species. The new species may continue to evolve and become newer forms. This is a process called macroevolution. The creation of new species is often a result of changes in the environment which make certain resources available or creates new environmental problems. The development of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example is due to the availability of new food and the necessity to defend themselves from predators.
In a broader sense, evolution is defined as any change that occurs in the traits of organisms over time. This change can be small, such as the development of a new coloration, or massive, for instance, the development of a brand new organ.
Scientists who believe in evolution theory generally agree that genetic change is crucial in the process of creating evolution. They also acknowledge that evolution is a process that takes place over time, typically over a period of millions of years. However, they differ on the role of different factors in speeding or slowing the process, like the impact of environmental pressures, sexual selection, and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists still believe that evolution is real and the evidence to support this is overwhelming.
What evidence can be found for evolution?
Since Darwin's time scientists have collected evidence to back his theory of evolution. The evidence comes from fossils that demonstrate the evolution of living organisms over time. Additional evidence can be found in similarities between living organisms, embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
The most important proof of evolution is found in the evolutionary tree, which demonstrates how different species are related. Homologous structures are another source of evidence. They share a common structure but perform different functions in different species, such as the wing of a bat or bird. Evolution is evident in that different species adapt and grow to similar environments. For example, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans have white seasonal pelts that blend in with the snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolutionary process which suggests the species shared ancestors.
The vestiges of structures are another source of evidence. These are parts of an organism which may have served some purpose in the distant past. For instance, the human appendix is a vestige of a once-used organ that was used to digest food. Natural selection is a process that causes the structures to shrink when they cease to be used.
Scientists have also gathered evidence of evolution through observation and experimenting. The evidence for evolution can be classified into six distinct categories: directly observed changes at small scales biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomies, the fossil record and genetics. Each of these provides convincing evidence that the evolution of life has taken place.
While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution It is an established fact. It is not only a theory, it is a powerful collection of years of observation and accumulated data that has been tested and proven. Regardless of what people believe or don't believe about the theory of evolution scientists continue to research and gather new information to better understand the history of life on Earth. This knowledge will allow scientists to better understand how we can avoid future global catastrophes and how to use the resources available on our planet. This information will also help us better serve the needs and desires of the people who live on this planet.