The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution based on natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It ties together disciplines that are as diverse as genetics microbiology and Palaeontology.
The study of evolution can be controversial and the misinformation that results can lead to confusion about its fundamentals. This site clarifies the most fundamental concepts.
What is Evolution?
The modern understanding of evolution focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen within populations over time. These changes are caused by natural selection, a process that increases the number of organisms that have traits that are beneficial and help them survive and reproduce in a specific environment. The organisms that have these traits produce more offspring as a result of their positive characteristics. This leads to an alteration in genetics that could eventually lead to the creation of new species.
The term "evolution" is often associated with the notion of "survival of the fittest," which implies that those individuals who are best adapted to a particular environment will be more successful than those who are not well-adapted. However it is only one of the many different ways in which evolution can occur.
Another way to use the word evolution is to suggest that species will progress from one state to the next. This view of evolution can be referred to as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This is not backed 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 caused by mutations which result in natural selection and genomic variation.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this idea. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed this was the only way in which the higher forms of living could have evolved.
A concept must be able stand against rigorous tests and evidence in order to be considered a theory. The evidence of evolution has stood the test of time and has been backed by a myriad of studies across a wide range of scientific disciplines, ranging from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. In reality evolution is regarded as one of the fundamental tenets of science today, and it is supported by the vast majority of scientists across the globe. However, there are many misconceptions about the theory of evolution, particularly how it relates 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 observations such as the fact that more offspring are often produced than can possibly survive in the long run; that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that distinct traits have different rates of reproduction and survival and can be passed down to the next generation. These observations are backed by the increasing amount of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, climatology, functional morphology and geology.
The theory of evolution through natural selection was developed independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the late 19th century to explain how organisms adapt to their physical and biological environments. It is the most widely 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 reproduction and survival in its ability to reproduce, the more likely it will be to pass its genes to the next generation.
Some people are against evolution because they think it implies that there is no purpose for life. 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 can even be enhanced by it.
In reality, a large number of highly skilled evolutionary biologists, including some who are renowned evangelical Christian leaders have been involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these scientists contributed to the understanding a broad range of phenomena, including genomics and phylogenetics and also the formation and function fossils.
discover here "theory" which is often misinterpreted, refers to a scientific hypotheses that have been tested and refined over a long period of time. Scientists test their theories by repeating experiments or observations that led to them. So, the theory of evolutionary theory has been repeatedly confirmed as have the corresponding theories of Copernican theory, atomic theory, and germ 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 is the result of the natural selection of individuals who are more adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adaptable have a greater chance of survival and reproduction. As more individuals survive and reproduce, their genes are more common within the population. This is often referred to as "survival of the most fittest."
According to the theory of evolution the mutations that result in genomic variation are the primary material for evolution. These mutations can occur at random, or under the influence of the environment. When mutations are random the resulting allele frequencies may vary from generation to generation. In contrast, when the mutation is beneficial, it can increase the frequency of the allele, causing it to spread throughout the population.
Changes in the frequency of alleles could lead to new species as time passes. The new species will evolve and develop into newer forms. This is a process known as macroevolution. The development of a new species is often caused by changes in the environment which make certain kinds of resources available or cause new environmental challenges. For example, the evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of different food sources and the need defend themselves from predators.
In a larger sense the term "evolution" can be described as any change in the character of living organisms over time. The change could be minor like the development of a new coloration or large, such as the development of a brand new organ.
Scientists who accept evolution theory generally agree that genetic changes are crucial in the process of generating evolution. They also agree that the process of evolution takes place over a long time, typically millions of years. They differ in the importance of various 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 are still convinced that evolution is real and that the evidence in support of this is overwhelming.
What is the evidence for evolution?
Since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence that supports his theory of evolution. Some of this evidence comes from fossils, which demonstrate the changing features of organisms through time. Another evidence comes from similarities between living organisms embryology, biogeography genetics and comparative anatomy.
The evolutionary tree is the best way to prove evolution. It shows how different species are closely related. Homologous structures are another source of evidence. They share a similar structure, but they perform different functions in different species, for instance, the wing of a bird or bat. Evolution is evident in that different species adapt and grow to similar environments. For example, arctic foxes and ptarmigans develop seasonal white pelts to blend in with snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolution, which suggests that the species have common ancestors.
Another source of evidence is the existence of vestigial structures. These are unused parts of an organism which could have served a function in the distant ancestor. For instance the human appendix may be remnants of an earlier organ used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size when they are no longer utilized which is a process referred to as natural selection.
Scientists have also gathered other evidence for evolution through observation and experimentation. mouse click the up coming post for evolution can be divided into six distinct categories: changes that can be observed at a small scale, biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomies, the fossil record and genetics. Each of these categories offers convincing evidence for the evolution of life.
While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution, it is an established fact. It is not only a theory, it is a mighty collection of decades of observation and accumulated data that has been proven and tested. No matter 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 information will aid scientists better understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and also how to best utilize the resources of our planet. It will also enable us to better meet the needs of the people living on the planet.