The Evolution Site
The theory of natural selection as the basis of evolution is the defining factor in the current biology. It connects disciplines as diverse 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 its fundamentals. This site can help to clarify 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 the result of natural selection. This is a process which increases the number of organisms that have beneficial traits, which help them to thrive and reproduce in particular environments. This means that these organisms produce more offspring than those that don't have these beneficial characteristics. 무료 에볼루션 could lead to a genetic mutation that may eventually result in new species.
The term "evolution" is often associated with "survival-of-the most fittest" which implies that individuals who are better adapted to certain environmental conditions will have an advantage over those less well-adapted. In reality, this is only one of the many ways that evolution can occur.
Another way to use the word evolution is to suggest that species can change from one state to the next. This theory of evolution is known as anagenetic or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution that scientists have developed is not in agreement with this view. Instead the scientific theory of evolution concentrates on the changes that take place within populations over time and these changes are caused by mutations that produce genomic variation and natural selection.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this theory. Others, including Alfred Russel Wallace, who developed the theory of macroevolution, believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could have evolved from the lower ones.
A theory must stand against rigorous tests and evidence to be considered as a theory. The evidence for evolution has withstood the test of time and has been supported by countless studies in various scientific disciplines, ranging from biology to geology to chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is the foundation of science and is backed by a majority of scientists around the globe. Many people are misinformed about the nature of the theory of evolution and how it connects with 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 observable facts such as the fact that more offspring are produced than can possibly survive; that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype); that different traits confer varying rates of reproduction and survival and reproduction; and that these traits can be passed down to the next generation. These observations are backed by the increasing amount of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, functional morphology, climatology, and geology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution by selection in the mid-19th century as an explanation why organisms adapt to their physical and biologic environments. 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 tend to have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. Additionally the more successful an organism is in being able to reproduce and survive, the more likely it will be to pass its genes to future generations.
Some people are against evolution because they believe it suggests that there is no reason for existence. However, many scientists who are also religious such as the renowned Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not just compatible with belief in God but also enhances it (BioLogos 2014).
Many highly qualified evolutionary biologists have been involved in developing and testing the theory of evolution, which includes some respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these researchers have contributed to the understanding of a broad variety of phenomena, like phylogenetics, genomics and the formation and role of fossils.
The term "theory" is sometimes used incorrectly to mean a guess or speculation however it actually is a scientific hypothesis that has been thoroughly evaluated and refined over time. Scientists test hypotheses through repeating the experiments or observations that led them to them. Thus, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly proven out, as have the related theories of Copernican, germ and atomic theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is a gradual shift in the genetically different individuals within a species over time. This change is a result of the natural selection of individuals who are more adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have higher chances of reproduction and survival. As more of these people survive and reproduce their genes, they become more common within the population. This is sometimes referred to as "survival of the strongest."
According to theories of evolution, mutations that lead to genomic variation are what triggers evolutionary change. These mutations can occur randomly or under the influence of the environment. When mutations occur at random and occur in a random manner, the frequency of the allele will vary from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial, it will increase the allele frequency and cause the allele to be spread across the population.
Over time, these shifts in allele frequencies can lead to the formation of new species. The new species could continue to evolve and become newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The formation of an entirely new species is typically caused by changes in the environment that make certain kinds of resources available or create new environmental challenges. The evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example, is due to the availability of new food and the necessity to defend themselves from predators.
In a wider context, evolution is defined as any change that takes place in the nature of living organisms over time. The change could be subtle, such as the development of new colors or a dramatic change, such as the formation of an organ.
Scientists who believe in evolution theory generally agree that genetic changes are important in generating evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution takes place over a long time, typically millions of years. However, they differ over the importance of different factors in accelerating or retarding this process, such as the role of environmental pressures, sexual selection, and mutation bias. Despite these differences scientists believe that evolution has occurred and that the evidence for this is overwhelming.
What evidence can be found for evolution?
In the decades since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence to support his theory of evolution. Some of this evidence is derived from fossils which reveal the changing traits of living organisms over time. Similarities between living and non-living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography, and genetics are further evidence.
The main proof of evolution can be found in the evolutionary tree, which demonstrates how different species are connected. Homologous structures are another proof. They have a similar structure but serve different purposes in different species, for instance, the wings of a bird or bat. Evolution is evident in the way that different species adapt and develop to similar environments. For instance, arctic foxes and ptarmigans have seasonal white pelts to blend into snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolutionary mechanism, which suggests the species shared ancestors.
The vestiges of structures are another source of evidence. These are parts of an organism which may have served a purpose in the distant past. The human appendix for instance, is a vestige from an organ that once used to digest food. Natural selection causes the structures to shrink when they are no longer used.
Scientists have also gathered additional evidence of evolution through observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be classified into six distinct categories: changes that can be observed at a small scale, biogeographic distributions and comparative anatomies fossil records and genetics. Each of these provides convincing evidence that evolution of life has taken place.
Many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution. However, it is an established fact. It is not a theory but a significant collection that is founded on years of observation. Whatever people believe or disbelieve about the theory of evolution scientists continue to research and discover new information to better understand the history of life on Earth. This knowledge will allow scientists to better understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and how to best utilize the resources available on our planet. This information will also allow us to better serve the needs and wants of all the people living on our planet.