The Evolution Site
The theory of natural selection as the underlying principle of evolution is the unifying force in modern biology. It combines disciplines like microbiology, palaeontology, genetics and palaeontology.
The study of evolution can be controversial and the misinformation that results can cause confusion about its basic concepts. This site explains the fundamental concepts.
What is Evolution?
The current understanding of evolution is based on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen within populations over time. These changes are a result of natural selection, which increases the amount of organisms that have traits that are beneficial and help them survive and reproduce in a particular environment. This means that these organisms have more offspring than those who don't possess the beneficial traits. This could result in a genetic mutation which could eventually result in new species.
The term "evolution" is often ascribed to the notion of "survival of the strongest," which means that people who are most well-adapted to a particular environment will be more successful than those who aren't well-adapted. In actuality this is just one of many ways in which evolution can occur.
Another common way the word evolution is used is to suggest that a species will invariably progress from one state to the next state of being. This type of view of evolution is called 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 mutations which result in natural selection and genomic variation.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who supported this view. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed that this was the only way in which the higher forms of living could have evolved.
A concept must be able stand up to rigorous tests and evidence in order to be considered a theory. The evidence of evolution has stood up to the test of time and has been backed by countless studies in various scientific disciplines, from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. In reality evolution is considered to be one of the fundamental tenets of science today, and it is supported by the vast majority of scientists across the globe. Many people are confused about the nature of the evolution theory particularly how it is connected to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution?
Evolution is the scientific explanation of how living things change over time. It relies on a number of well-established observable facts: that more offspring are created than are likely to survive and that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that various characteristics result in different rates of survival and reproduction; and that traits can be passed down to the next generation. These observations are backed up by a growing amount of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional morphology geology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution based on selection in the mid-19th century as an explanation why organisms are adapted their biological and physical environments. It is now the best-supported and widely-tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions were proved by the fact, for example that more complex organisms have less genetic mutations. In addition, the more efficient an organism is in being able to reproduce and survive, the more likely it will be to pass on its genes to the next generation.
Some people are against 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 renowned Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not only compatible with faith in God but is enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).
Many highly skilled evolutionary biologists have been involved in constructing and testing the theory of evolution, which includes several highly respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these scientists contributed to the understanding a wide range phenomena, including phylogenetics and genomics, and also the formation and function of fossils.
The term "theory" that is often used incorrectly refers to scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over time. Scientists test their hypotheses by repeating the experiment or observations that led to them. Therefore, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly tested out as have the corresponding theories of Copernican, germ and atomic theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is a gradual shift in the genetically diverse individuals within a species over time. This change is a result of the natural selection of those who are more well-adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adapted have higher chances of reproduction and survival. As more of these people survive and reproduce, their genes are more prevalent in the general population. This is sometimes referred to as "survival for the fittest."
According to the theory of evolution the mutations that result in genomic variation are the primary material for evolution. These mutations can occur randomly or be affected by the environment. If mutations are random, the resulting allele frequencies may vary from generation to generation. In contrast, when a mutation is beneficial it can increase the frequency of the allele, which causes it to spread throughout the population.
These changes in allele frequency can lead to new species as time passes. The new species will evolve and develop into newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The creation of new species is often caused by changes in the environment, that make certain resources accessible or creates new environmental challenges. The development 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 larger sense, evolution can be defined as any change in the nature of living organisms over time. This change can be subtle, like the development of new coloration or a dramatic change, such as the development of an organ.
Scientists who believe in evolution theory generally agree that genetic change is important in the process of generating evolution. They also believe that evolution is a process that occurs over time, typically over a period of millions of years. They differ on the importance of various factors that may speed up or slow down the process. For example, the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures, and mutation bias. Despite these differences, most scientists believe that evolution is happening and the evidence to prove this is overwhelming.
What is the evidence for evolution?
In the decades since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence to support his theory of evolution. A portion of this evidence is derived from fossils which show the changing characteristics of living organisms over time. Additional evidence can be found in the similarities between living organisms, embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
The main proof of evolution is found in the evolutionary tree, which demonstrates how different species are connected. Homologous structures are another source of evidence. They share a similar structure but serve different purposes in different species, for instance, the wings of a bird or bat. Evolution is evident in that different species adapt and develop to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and ptarmigans develop seasonal white pelts that blend into snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolutionary process, which suggests the species shared ancestors.
Vestigial structures are a different piece of evidence. mouse click the following article are the remains of an organism that could have served some purpose in the past. The human appendix, for instance, is a vestige from an organ that was once used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size when they're no longer in use in a process called natural selection.
Scientists have also collected evidence for evolution through observation and testing. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six categories: directly observed small-scale changes, biogeographic distribution and 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 a scientific fact. It is not a theory but a significant collection that is based on decades of observation. No matter what people believe or deny about the theory of evolution scientists continue to research and gather new information to better understand the history of life on Earth. This information will help scientists better understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and also how to best utilize the resources on our planet. This will allow us to better meet the needs of people on this planet.