The Evolution Site
The theory of natural selection as the underlying principle of evolution is the defining factor in the current biology. It ties together disciplines such as genetics, microbiology and the study of palaeontology.
However, the study of evolution is often controversial, and the misinformation that results can confuse people about the fundamentals of evolution. This site can help explain the most important concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result of natural selection, which increases the number of organisms that have traits that are beneficial and enable them to live and reproduce in a particular environment. In turn, these organisms have more offspring than those that don't have these beneficial traits. This can cause a genetic change that may eventually lead to new species.
The term "evolution" is often associated with "survival-of-the best" which implies that individuals who are more adjusted to certain conditions will have a distinct advantage over those who are less well adapted. This is just one of many ways in which evolution can happen.
Another way that the term "evolution" is used is to suggest that a species will inevitably move from one state to the next one. This type of view of evolution could be described as anagenetic, or cladogenesis. This theory is not supported by the scientific definition of evolution. 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 that result from natural selection and genetic variation.
Certain scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this theory 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 have evolved from the lower ones.
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 proven to be valid in countless scientific disciplines from biology to geology, the sciences of astronomy to chemistry. Evolution is a fundamental concept in science and is supported by the majority of scientists around the world. Many people are misinformed about the nature of evolution theory and how it connects 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 a range of well-established observations: that more offspring are often produced than can possibly survive; that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that various characteristics result in different rates of survival and reproduction and can be passed down to the next generation. These observations are supported by a growing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional geology, morphology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution by selection in the mid-19th Century as a way to explain how organisms are adapted their physical and biologic environments. It is the most well-supported and tested theory in science. Its predictions were confirmed by the fact that, for instance, more complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations. In addition the more efficient an organism is in being able to reproduce and survive, the more likely it is to pass its genes to the next generation.
Some people oppose evolution because they believe it implies that there is no meaning to life. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious believers, such as the prominent Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution isn't just compatible with faith in God but also enhances it (BioLogos 2014).
In reality, a large number of highly trained evolutionary biologists, some of who are respected evangelical Christian leaders have been involved in the development and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these scientists have contributed to the understanding of a broad variety of phenomena including phylogenetics and genomics, and the formation and function of fossils.
The term "theory" is sometimes used to refer to a speculation or guess but in reality it is a scientific hypothesis that has been rigorously evaluated and refined over time. Scientists test hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that led them to the conclusion. Thus, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly proven out, as have the related theories of Copernican, germ theory, and atomic 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 particular species. This is the result of natural selection, which favors individuals who are better adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adapted have higher chances of reproduction and survival. As more people live and reproduce their genes are more common in the population. This process is sometimes called "survival of the strongest."
According to theories of evolution, mutations that lead to genomic variation are what drives evolutionary change. These mutations can occur randomly or be influenced by 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, which causes it to spread across the population.
As time passes, these changes in allele frequencies could lead to the formation of new species. The new species could continue to evolve and become newer forms. This is a process known as macroevolution. The formation of new species is often caused by changes in the environment, which make certain resources available or creates new environmental challenges. The evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example, is due to the availability of fresh food and the necessity to defend themselves against predators.
In a wider context, evolution is defined as any change that takes place in the nature of organisms over the course of time. The change could be minor or even the creation of a new coloration or even massive, like the formation of a new 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. They also agree that the process of evolution occurs over a long time, typically millions of years. They differ on the importance of different factors that may speed up or slow down this process. For instance the role played by sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these differences, most scientists believe that evolution is happening and that evidence for this is overwhelming.
What is the evidence for evolution?
Since Darwin's time scientists have gathered evidence to support his theory of evolution. Some of this evidence comes from fossils, which show the changing characteristics of living organisms over time. Similarities between living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography and genetics are also evidence.
The primary evidence of evolution is in the evolutionary tree, which shows how different species are connected. Another source of evidence is homologous structures, which have a similar structures in different species but perform distinct functions like the wings of birds and bats. Evolution is evident in the way that different species adapt and grow to similar environments. For instance, arctic foxes and Ptarmigans wear white seasonal pelts that blend into the snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolution, which suggests that the species have common ancestors.
Another source of evidence is the existence of vestige structures, which are unused parts of an organism which could have served a function in a distant ancestor. The human appendix for instance is a remnant of an organ that was once used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size as they're no longer in use which is a process referred to as natural selection.
Scientists have also collected evidence for evolution through observation and testing. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six categories: directly visible small-scale changes, biogeographic patterns, comparative anatomy, the fossil record, genetics, and classification. Each of these provides compelling evidence that the evolution of life has occurred.
Although many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution It is a scientific fact. It is not a theory but a powerful collection founded on years of observation. Regardless of what people believe or deny about the theory of evolution scientists continue to study and collect new data to better understand the history of life on Earth. This Internet page will allow scientists to better understand how to prevent future catastrophes on the planet, and how to best utilize the resources on our planet. This information will also help us better meet the needs and wants of the people who live on our planet.