The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution by natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. It brings together disciplines such as microbiology, palaeontology, genetics and palaeontology.
However, the study of evolution is often controversial and the resulting misinformation can confuse people about its fundamentals. 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 a result of natural selection, which increases the number of organisms that have traits that are beneficial and help them survive and reproduce in a particular environment. In turn, these organisms produce more offspring than those that do not have the beneficial characteristics. This can result in a genetic mutation that may eventually lead to new species.
The term "evolution" is often associated with the notion of "survival of the fittest" which implies that individuals who are best adapted to a specific set of environmental conditions will be more successful than those who aren't adapted to the environment. This is just one of many ways that evolution can occur.
Another way to use the word evolution is to suggest that a species will progress from one state to the next. This type of view of evolution is known as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This is not backed by the definition of evolution in science. The evolutionary theory that scientists have developed changes focuses on the 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. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed that this was only way the higher forms of living could have evolved.
To be able to be referred to as a theory, it has to be capable of standing up to rigorous testing and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time, and has been backed by many scientific disciplines, from geology to biology, from astronomy to chemistry. In reality evolution is considered to be one of the fundamental tenets of science today and is backed by the majority of scientists across the globe. However, there are many misconceptions about the theory of evolution, particularly how it is related to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution?
Evolution is the scientific explanation for the way living things change over time. It is based upon a few well-established facts: that many more offspring are created than can be surviving and that different individuals have their physical traits and they can transmit traits to future generations. These observations are supported by a growing body of evidence derived from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional geology and morphology.
The theory of evolution by natural selection was initially conceived by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the mid-19th century to provide an explanation for why organisms are adapted to their biological and physical environment. It is now the best-supported and widely-tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions have been borne out by the fact that, for example more complex organisms tend to have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. In addition, the more efficient an organism is in surviving and reproducing and reproducing, the more likely it will be to pass its genes to the next generation.
Some people are against evolution because they believe that it implies there is no reason for existence. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious believers, such as the prominent Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not only compatible with faith in God but also enhances it (BioLogos 2014).
In fact, a large number of highly trained evolutionary biologists, including some who are respected evangelical Christian leaders are involved in the development and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these scientists contributed to the understanding a wide range phenomena, including phylogenetics and genomics, and also the formation and function fossils.
The term "theory" is sometimes used in a wrong sense to mean a speculation or guess however it actually refers to a scientific idea that has been thoroughly evaluated and refined over time. Scientists test their theories by repeating the experiments or observations that have led to them. Thus the theory of evolution theory has been repeatedly confirmed along with the related theories of Copernican theory as well as atomic theory and germ theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is the gradual change over time in the ratio of genetically distinct individuals within a particular species. This change is the result of the natural selection of those who are more well-adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adaptable have a greater chance of survival and reproduction. As more people live and reproduce their genes are more common within the population. This is often referred to as "survival of the most fittest."
According to evolution theory the causes of mutations that result in genetic variation are the primary reason for evolutionary change. These mutations may occur randomly or be affected by the environment. When mutations occur at random and the frequencies of alleles will vary from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it can increase the frequency of the allele, causing the allele to spread throughout the population.
The changes in frequency of alleles can lead to new species as time passes. The new species will then develop and evolve into new forms. This is a process called macroevolution. The creation of new species is usually caused by changes in the environment, which makes certain resources available or creates new environmental issues. For instance, the development of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the abundance of foods and the need to protect themselves from predators.
In a larger sense it is any change that takes place in the traits of living organisms over time. The change could be small or even the creation of a new coloration, or large, such as the creation of a new organ.
Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally recognize the importance of genetic change in the process that causes evolution. They also acknowledge that evolution is a process that occurs over time, usually over millions of years. However, they differ on the role of different factors that speed up or slow down the process, including the influence of environmental pressures sexual selection, and mutation bias. Despite these differences, most scientists believe that evolution has happened and the evidence to prove this is overwhelming.
What evidence do we have to support evolution?
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 show the changing characteristics of organisms through time. Similarities between living and non-living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography, and genetics are also evidence.
The main proof of evolution is in the evolutionary tree, which illustrates how different species are connected. Another source of evidence is homologous structures, which have a similar structures in different species but serve different purposes like the wings of birds and bats. The fact that different species develop and adapt to a similar environment is also a sign of evolution. For example, arctic foxes and ptarmigans have white fur coats that blend in with snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolutionary, which suggests that the species has common ancestral ancestors.
Vestigial structures are another piece of evidence. They are the remains of an organism that may have served a purpose in the distant past. For example the human appendix may be remnants of an earlier organ used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size when they're no longer in use, a process known as natural selection.
Scientists have also collected other evidence of evolution via observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six categories: directly observable small-scale changes, biogeographic patterns, comparative anatomy, the fossil record, classification and genetics. Each of these categories provides solid evidence for the evolution of life.
While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution It is an empirical fact. It isn't only a theory, it is a potent collection of years of research and observation that has been tested and proven. Scientists continue to gather and analyze new data to better understand the evolution of Earth's existence regardless of whether or not people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will help scientists to better understand how we can avoid future global catastrophes, and how to best utilize the resources on our planet. This information will also allow us to better serve the needs and desires of the people living on our planet.