The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution based on natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. It connects disciplines like genetics, palaeontology and microbiology.
However the study of evolution is often controversial and the resultant misinformation can confuse people regarding its basic concepts. This Web site helps explain the most important concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory is based on the gradual and cumulative changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are caused by natural selection, a process that increases the number of organisms that possess beneficial traits that help them survive and reproduce in a specific environment. As a result, these organisms have more offspring than those who do not have the beneficial traits. This can lead to a genetic mutation that may eventually result in new species.
The term "evolution", is often associated with "survival-of-the fittest" which means that those who are more adapted to certain environmental conditions will have a distinct advantage over those who are less well-adapted. In actuality this is just one of the many different ways in which evolution can occur.
Another popular way to use the word evolution is to suggest that species are able to move from one stage to the next. This view of evolution can be described as anagenetic or cladogenesis. The scientific definition of evolution does not support this view. 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 of mutations which result in natural selection and genomic variation.
Some scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this view of evolution. Others, notably Alfred Russel Wallace, who came up with the macroevolution theory, believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could be derived from lower forms.
A concept must be able stand against rigorous tests and evidence to be considered a theory. The evidence for evolution has stood the test of time and has been backed by numerous studies in a wide range of scientific disciplines, from biology to geology to chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is a fundamental concept in science and is supported by a majority of scientists across the globe. However, there are many misconceptions about the theory of evolution, specifically how it relates to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is the scientific explanation of the way living things change over time. It is based on few well-established facts: that many more offspring are produced than can be surviving as individuals differ in their physical traits and they are able to pass on traits to the next generation. These observations are backed up by a growing amount of evidence derived from molecular biology, palaeontology climatology functional geology, morphology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently conceived the theory of evolution by selection in the middle of the 19th century as a reason why organisms are adapted their physical and biological environments. It is now the best-supported and widely-tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions were confirmed by the fact that, for instance, more complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations. Additionally, the more efficient an organism is in surviving and reproducing, the more likely it is to pass on its genes to the next generation.
Some people are against evolution because they believe it implies that there is no purpose to life. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious such as the renowned Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution isn't just compatible with faith in God but can be enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).
Many highly skilled evolutionary biologists have been involved in developing and testing the theory of evolution, including several highly respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of them have contributed to the understanding of a wide variety of phenomena including phylogenetics and genomics and the formation and function of fossils.
The term "theory" is sometimes used in a wrong sense to mean a speculation or guess, when in fact it is a scientific hypothesis that has been systematically developed and tested over time. Scientists test their theories by repeating the experiment or observations that led to them. The theory of evolution has been repeatedly proven out and so have the 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 proportion of genetically distinct individuals within a specific species. This change is the result of the natural selection of individuals that are more well-adapted to their environment. The people who are more adaptable have higher chances of reproduction and survival. As more individuals survive and reproduce, their genes are more widely distributed within the population. This is sometimes referred to as "survival for the fittest."
According to the theory of evolution the mutations that result in genomic variation are the raw material of evolutionary change. These mutations could occur at random, or under the influence of the environment. If mutations occur in a random manner and the frequencies of alleles can vary from generation-to-generation. When the mutation is beneficial it can increase the frequency of the allele, causing it to spread throughout the population.
As time passes, these changes in allele frequencies could result in the creation of new species. The new species will then evolve and develop into newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The development of new species is typically caused by changes in the environment which makes certain resources available or creates new environmental challenges. For example, the evolution of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of different food sources and the need protect themselves from predators.
In a larger sense the term "evolution" can be described as any change in the characteristics of living organisms over time. This change can be small like the development of a new coloration, or large, such as the creation of a new organ.
Scientists who believe in evolution theory generally agree that genetic change is crucial in the process of the process of generating evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution occurs over a long period of time, typically millions of years. They differ on the importance of different factors that can accelerate or slow down the process. For instance the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures, and mutation bias. Despite these differences most scientists still believe that evolution is real and that the evidence in support of this is overwhelming.
What evidence can be found for evolution?
In the decades since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence to support Darwin's theory of evolution. A portion of this evidence is derived from fossils which demonstrate the changing features of living things over time. Additional evidence can be found in the similarities between living organisms embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
The primary evidence of evolution is found in the evolutionary tree, which demonstrates how species are related. Homologous structures are another proof. They share a common structure but perform different functions in different species, such as the wing of a bird or bat. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to a similar environment is also a sign of evolution. For instance, arctic-foxes and ptarmigans develop white fur coats that 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 parts of an organism that could have served some purpose in the distant past. The human appendix for instance, is a vestige from an 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 additional evidence of evolution through observation and experimentation. 에볼루션카지노사이트 for evolution can be grouped into six categories: directly observable small-scale changes, biogeographic distribution as well as comparative anatomy, fossil record, classification and genetics. Each of these provides compelling evidence that the evolution of life has taken place.
Many people have misconceptions regarding the theory of evolution. But, it's an established fact. It is not a theory but a significant collection of evidence built on years of observation. Scientists continue to gather and study new information to better understand the evolution of the Earth's life regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will aid scientists to understand how to avoid future global catastrophes and also how to make the most of the resources of our planet. This information will also allow us to better meet the needs and wants of the people living on this planet.