The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution through natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It connects disciplines like genetics, palaeontology and microbiology.
The study of evolution may be controversial and the misinformation that comes from it can lead to confusion over the fundamentals of evolution. This site clarifies the most fundamental concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen in populations over time. These changes are a result of natural selection, a process that increases the amount of organisms that possess beneficial traits that help them survive and reproduce in a particular environment. As a result, these organisms have more offspring than those who don't have these beneficial characteristics. This could result in a genetic mutation that may eventually result in new species.
The term "evolution", is often associated with "survival-of-the best" which means that those who are more adapted to certain environmental conditions will have an advantage over those less well adapted. However this is just one of the many ways in which evolution can occur.
Another way of using the term "evolution" is to suggest that a species can change from one state to the next. This kind of view can be referred to as anagenetic or cladogenesis. The scientific definition of evolution does not support this view. The theory of evolution that is based on science changes focuses on the 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 backed this theory. Others, notably Alfred Russel Wallace, who developed the theory of macroevolution and believed that this was the only way that the higher forms of life could be derived from lower forms.
A concept must be able stand against rigorous tests and evidence to be considered a theory. The evidence for evolution has stood up to the test of time and has been backed by numerous studies in many scientific disciplines, ranging from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is the foundation of science and is believed by a majority of scientists across the globe. Many people are misinformed about the nature of evolution theory particularly how it is connected to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution?
Evolution is the scientific explanation of the way living things change over time. It is based on a range of well-established and observable facts: that more offspring are often produced than could possibly survive; that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype); that different traits confer varying rates of survival and reproduction; and that traits can be passed on to the next generation. These observations are supported by the increasing amount of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology climatology, functional morphology and geology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution through selection in the middle of the 19th century as an explanation why organisms adapt to their biological and physical environments. It is today the most supported and most widely tested theory in all of science. Its predictions were confirmed by the fact that, for instance, more complex organisms are less susceptible to genetic mutations. In addition, the more efficient an organism is in being able to reproduce and survive and reproducing, the more likely it will be to pass its genes to future generations.
Some people oppose evolution because they believe that it implies that there is no purpose to life. Many scientists who are religious like Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014), believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and can even be enhanced by it.
In actual fact, a significant number of highly trained evolutionary biologists, including some who are renowned evangelical Christian leaders have been involved in the development and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these researchers have contributed to the understanding of a wide variety of phenomena including phylogenetics and genomics, and the development and role of fossils.
The word "theory" that is often used incorrectly refers to scientific hypotheses that have been tested and refined over a period of time. Scientists test hypotheses through repeating the experiments or observations that led them to them. So the theory of evolution theory has been repeatedly proven, 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 specific species. This change is the result of natural selection of those who are more well-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 are more prevalent within the population. This process is sometimes described as "survival of the most fittest."
According to theories of evolution the causes of mutations that result in genomic variation are what triggers evolutionary change. These mutations can occur at random, or under the influence of the environment. If mutations are random, the frequency of the resultant alleles could differ 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.
These changes in allele frequency could lead to new species in the course of time. The new species can then grow and evolve into newer forms. This is a process called macroevolution. The creation of new species is usually due to changes in the environment which makes certain resources available or creates new environmental problems. The evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example is due to the availability of new foods and the necessity to defend themselves from predators.
In a broader sense the term "evolution" refers to any change that takes place in the nature of living organisms over time. This change can be subtle, such as the development of new colors or a dramatic change, such as the formation of an organ.
Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally agree that genetic changes are crucial in the process of the process of generating evolution. They also agree that the process of evolution happens over a lengthy period of time, usually millions of years. However, they differ over the role of various factors in accelerating or retarding the process, like the role of environmental pressures, sexual selection and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists believe that evolution is real and that the evidence in support of this is overwhelming.
What is mouse click the up coming post of Evolution?
Throughout the years since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence that supports Darwin's theory of evolution. Some of this evidence comes from fossils, which show the changing characteristics of living organisms over time. Similarities between living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography, and genetics are further evidence.
The evolutionary tree is the most effective method of proving evolution. It shows how species are closely related. Homologous structures are another source of evidence. They have a similar structure but perform different functions in different species, for instance, the wing of a bird or bat. Evolution is evident in that various species adapt and evolve to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans wear white pelts during the winter months that blend into the snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolutionary process, which suggests that the species have shared common ancestors.
Vestigial structures are another piece of evidence. They are the remains of an organism that could serve a function in the distant past. For example, the human appendix is remnants of an earlier organ used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size when they are no longer used, a process known as natural selection.
Scientists have also collected evidence for evolution by observing and testing. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six distinct categories: directly observed changes at small scales biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomies fossil records, genetics. Each of these categories offers convincing evidence for the evolution of life.
Many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution. But, it's an actual fact. It isn't only a theory, it is a mighty collection of years of observations and data that has been proven and tested. Scientists continue to gather and study new information to better understand the history of the Earth's life, regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This knowledge will allow scientists to better understand how we can avoid future catastrophes on the planet, and how to best utilize the resources on our planet. It will also allow us to better meet the needs of people living on the planet.