The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution based on natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. It connects disciplines such as genetics, microbiology, and Palaeontology.
However the study of evolutionary theory is often controversial and the misinformation that results can confuse people regarding its basic concepts. This site explains the fundamental concepts.
What is Evolution?
The current understanding of evolution is based on the gradual change that occurs within populations over time. These changes are a result of natural selection, a process that increases the number of organisms that possess beneficial traits that allow them to survive and reproduce in a particular environment. The organisms that have these traits produce more offspring because of the positive traits. This can cause a genetic change that may eventually result in new species.
The term "evolution" is often associated with the notion of "survival of the strongest," which implies that people who are the most adapted to a specific environment will have an advantage over those who aren't adapted to the environment. In actuality, this is only one of the many ways that evolution could occur.
Another common way the term "evolution" is used to suggest that a species will invariably change from one state of being to the next one. This view of evolution can be described as anagenetic, or cladogenesis. This is not backed by the definition of evolution that is scientifically accepted. The evolutionary theory that scientists have developed changes focuses on the changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are caused by mutations that produce natural selection and genetic variation.
Some scientists, such as the great Charles Darwin, advocated this view of evolution. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed this was the only way that higher living forms could have evolved.
To be able to be considered a theory, it has to be capable of surviving rigorous testing and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time, and has been backed by countless scientific disciplines from geology to biology chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is the foundation of science and is backed by a majority of scientists around the world. However, many people have misconceptions about the nature of the theory of evolution, specifically how it is related to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution?
Evolution is the scientific explanation for how living things change over time. It is based on a variety of well-established observable facts: that more offspring are often produced than can possibly survive; that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that various traits confer varying rates of survival and reproduction and can be passed on to future generations. These observations are backed up by a growing amount of evidence derived from molecular biology, palaeontology climatology functional geology and morphology.
The theory of evolution based on natural selection was conceived independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the late 19th century to explain how organisms adapt to their physical and biological environment. It is the most well-supported and tested theory in science. Its predictions have been proved out by the fact that, for instance complex organisms have less genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism is in terms of survival and reproducing the more likely it will pass its genes on to future generations.
Some people are against evolution because they think it implies there is no reason for existence. Many scientists who are religious such as the Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014), believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and is even enhanced by it.
Many highly skilled evolutionary biologists have been involved in constructing and testing the theory of evolution, including some respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these researchers have contributed to the understanding of a vast variety of phenomena including phylogenetics and genomics and the formation and role of fossils.
The word "theory" that is often used incorrectly, refers to a scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over a period of time. 에볼루션 무료체험 test their theories by repeating the experiment or observations that led to them. Therefore, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly proven out as have the corresponding 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 certain species. This change is a result of the natural selection of individuals who are more well-adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. As more of these people survive and reproduce their genes, they are more prevalent in the population. This process is sometimes referred to as "survival for the fittest."
According to the theory of evolution the mutations that result in genetic variation are the basic material for evolution. These mutations may occur at random or under the influence of the environment. When mutations occur at random and the frequencies of alleles can vary from generation-to-generation. In contrast, when an alteration is beneficial, it increases the frequency of the allele, which causes it to spread across the population.
Changes in the frequency of alleles could lead to new species over time. The new species will develop and evolve into new forms. This is a process called macroevolution. The development of new species is often a result of changes in the environment, which makes certain resources available or creates new environmental problems. The development of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example, is due to the availability of fresh food and the necessity to defend themselves from predators.
In a wider sense the term "evolution" can be described as any change in the character of living organisms over time. The change could be subtle, such as the development of a new color or dramatic, like the development of an organ.
Scientists who believe in evolution theory generally agree that genetic change is essential in the process of generating evolution. They also agree that the process of evolution happens over a long time, usually millions of years. However, they differ over the importance of different factors that speed up or slow down the process, like the influence of environmental pressures sexual selection and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists believe that evolution is real and the evidence in support of this is overwhelming.
What is the Evidence of Evolution?
Since Darwin's time scientists have collected evidence to back his theory of evolution. Some of this evidence comes from fossils, which reveal the changing traits of organisms through time. Additional evidence can be found in similarities among living organisms embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
The main proof of evolution is in the evolutionary tree, which demonstrates how species are related. Homologous structures are another source of evidence. They share a similar structure but perform different functions in different species, such as the wings of a bird or bat. Evolution is evident in the way that various species adapt and evolve to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans have white pelts during the winter months that blend into the snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolutionary mechanism, which suggests the species shared common ancestors.
Another evidence point is the existence of vestigial structures. These are unutilized parts of an organism that could have served a function in a distant ancestor. The human appendix, for example is an odour from an organ that once 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 observed small-scale changes, biogeographic patterns as well as comparative anatomy, fossil record, genetics, and classification. 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 actual fact. It isn't just a theory; it is a powerful collection of years of observations and data that has been proven and tested. Scientists continue to collect and analyze new data to better understand the evolution of Earth's evolution regardless of whether or not people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will aid scientists better understand how to prevent future catastrophes on the planet and how to best utilize our planet's resources. It will also enable us to better meet the needs of all the people on this planet.