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, and genetics.
However the study of evolutionary theory is often controversial, and the resulting misinformation can confuse people about its fundamentals. This Web site helps clarify essential concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory is based 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 number of organisms that have traits that are beneficial and help them survive and reproduce in a specific environment. In turn, these organisms have more offspring than those that do not have the beneficial characteristics. This results in the genetic changes that can eventually lead to the creation of new species.
The term "evolution", is often associated with "survival-of-the most fittest" which means that those who are better adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have a distinct advantage over those who are less well adapted. In actuality, this is only one of the many different ways in which evolution can occur.
Another way that the word evolution is used to suggest that a species will inevitably move from one state to the next state of being. This view of evolution is called anagenetic or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution that scientists have developed does not support this view. Instead the theory of evolution that is scientifically based is based on the changes that take place within populations over time and these changes are the result of mutations that produce genomic variation and natural selection.
Certain scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this view of evolution. Others, notably 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 forms.
For a concept to be called a theory, it must be able to stand up to rigorous tests and evidence. The evidence of evolution has withstood the test of time and has been supported by numerous studies in various scientific disciplines, ranging from biology to geology to chemistry to astronomy. In fact, evolution is accepted as one of the foundations of science today, and is backed by the majority of scientists worldwide. Many people have misconceptions regarding the nature of the theory of evolution, especially how it relates with religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution?
Evolution is an explanation in science of how living things change over time. It is based upon a few established facts: that more offspring are produced than can be surviving as individuals differ in their physical traits and they can pass on traits to the next generation. These observations are backed up by a growing body of evidence drawn from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional geology and morphology.
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 able to adapt to their biological and physical environments. It is now the best-supported and most extensively tested theory in the field of science. Its theories have been proven out by the fact that, for instance complex organisms are more likely to have less genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism becomes in terms of survival and reproducing, the more likely it is to transfer its genes to future generations.
에볼루션 룰렛 www.evolutionkr.kr are against evolution because they believe that it implies that there is no reason 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 fact, a large number of highly trained evolutionary biologists, some of who are respected evangelical Christian leaders have been involved in the development and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these researchers contributed to the understanding a wide range phenomena, including phylogenetics and genomics, and also the formation and function fossils.
The word "theory" is sometimes used in a wrong sense to mean a guess or speculation but in reality it is a scientific hypothesis that has been thoroughly tested and refined over time. Scientists test their hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that have led to them. Thus, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly proven out and so have the theories of Copernican, germ theory, 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 is the result of natural selection, which favors those who are more adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adapted have higher chances of reproducing and survival. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce, their genes become more common in the general population. This process is sometimes called "survival for the fittest."
According to theories of evolution the causes of mutations that result in genomic variation are what drives evolution. These mutations could occur at random, or under the influence of the environment. When mutations occur at random and the frequencies of alleles will vary from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it will increase the allele frequency which causes 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 could develop further and evolve into newer forms. This is a process called macroevolution. The formation of new species is typically caused by changes in the environment that make certain resources accessible 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 defend themselves from predators.
In a broader context it is possible to define evolution as any change in the character of living organisms over time. The change could be small, such as the development of a new coloration, or even massive, like the creation of a new organ.
Scientists who accept the theory of evolution generally agree on the significance of genetic change in generating evolution. They also acknowledge that evolution is a process that happens over time, typically over millions of years. However, they differ over the importance of different factors that speed up or slow down this process, such as the impact of environmental pressures, sexual selection, and mutation bias. Despite these differences, most scientists believe that evolution has happened and that the evidence for this is overwhelming.
What evidence do we have to support evolution?
Since Darwin's time scientists have collected evidence to support his theory of evolution. A portion of this evidence is derived from fossils which reveal the changing traits of organisms through time. Another evidence comes from similarities between living organisms embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
The primary evidence of evolution is in the evolutionary tree, which shows how different species are connected. Homologous structures are another proof. They share a similar structure but perform different functions in different species, for instance, the wing of a bat or bird. Evolution is evident in the way that different species adapt and grow to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans wear white fur coats that blend in with the snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolutionary mechanism, which suggests that the species have shared ancestors.
Vestigial structures are a different piece of evidence. They are the remains of an organism that may have served some purpose in the distant past. For example, the human appendix is a vestige of a once-used organ that served to digest food. Natural selection causes the structures to shrink when they are no longer used.
Scientists have also gathered other evidence for evolution through observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution is grouped into six categories: directly observed small-scale changes, biogeographic distribution, comparative anatomy, the fossil record, genetics, and classification. Each of these categories offers solid evidence for the evolution of life.
Although many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, it is an established fact. It isn't simply a flimsy theory. It is a powerful collection of years of observation and accumulated data that has been tested and proven. Scientists continue to collect and study new information to better understand the evolution of Earth's existence regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will help scientists understand how to prevent future catastrophes on the planet and how to best utilize our planet's resources. This will allow us to better serve the needs of the people living on this planet.