The Evolution Site
The concept of natural selection as the basis of evolution is the unifying force in the current biology. It brings together disciplines like microbiology, palaeontology, genetics and palaeontology.
However the study of evolutionary theory is often controversial, and the resultant misinformation can confuse people about its basic concepts. This site explains the fundamental concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory is based on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen in populations over time. These changes are caused by natural selection, a process that increases the number of organisms who have beneficial traits that allow them to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. They produce more offspring as a result of 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 best" which implies that individuals who are better adjusted to certain conditions will have a distinct advantage over those who are less well adapted. This is just one of many ways that evolution can happen.
Another way of using the word evolution is to suggest that species will progress from one state to the next. This view of evolution is referred to as anagenetic or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution that scientists have developed does not support this view. The scientific theory of evolutionary change is based on changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result of mutations which result in natural selection and genomic variation.
Some scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this theory of evolution. Others, notably Alfred Russel Wallace, who came up with the macroevolution theory, believed that this was the only way that the higher forms of life could have evolved from the lower forms.
To be able to be called a theory, it must be capable of standing up to rigorous tests and evidence. The evidence of evolution has stood the test of time and has been backed by a myriad of studies across many scientific disciplines, ranging from biology to geology to chemistry to astronomy. In actual fact, evolution is accepted as one of the fundamental tenets of science today and is supported by the vast majority of scientists across the globe. Many people have misconceptions regarding the nature of the theory of evolution particularly how it is connected with 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 variety of well-established observable facts such as the fact that more offspring are produced than can possibly survive and that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype); that different characteristics result in different rates of survival and reproduction; and that traits can be passed down to future generations. These findings are supported by the increasing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, functional morphology, climatology and geology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution through selection in the mid-19th Century as a way to explain how organisms are able to adapt to their physical and biologic environments. It is the most widely accepted and validated theory in science. Its predictions were proved by the fact that for instance, more complex organisms are less susceptible to genetic mutations. The more successful an organism gets in terms of survival and reproducing, the more likely it will transmit its genes to future generations.
Some people are against evolution because they believe it implies that there is no reason for existence. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious believers like the famous Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not just compatible with faith in God but also enhances it (BioLogos 2014).
In sneak a peek at this web-site , a large number of highly qualified evolutionary biologists, including some who are renowned evangelical Christian leaders are involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these scientists have contributed to the understanding of a wide range of phenomena, such as phylogenetics, genomics and the formation and role of fossils.
The word "theory" that is often used incorrectly refers to scientific hypotheses that have been tested and refined over a long period of time. Scientists test hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that led them to the conclusion. Therefore the theory of evolution theory has been repeatedly confirmed, along with the related theories of Copernican theory as well as atomic theory and germ theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is the gradual change over time in the percentage of genetically distinct individuals within a particular species. This change is a result of the natural selection of individuals that are more adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have higher chances of reproduction and survival. As more people live and reproduce their genes are more widely distributed in the population. This process is sometimes called "survival for the strongest."
According to the theory of evolution, the mutations that produce genomic variation are the raw material for evolution. These mutations can occur at random or be affected by the environment. If mutations are random, the frequency of the resultant alleles could vary from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial it will increase the frequency of alleles which causes the allele to be spread across the population.
Over time, these changes in the frequencies of alleles can lead to the formation of new species. The new species may grow and evolve into newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The creation of a new species is often caused by changes in the environment that make certain kinds of resources available or cause new environmental problems. For example, the evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of various foods and the need to protect themselves from predators.
In a wider context, evolution is defined as any change that occurs in the characteristics 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 believe in the theory of evolution generally recognize the importance of genetic changes in the process of generating evolution. They also agree that the process of evolution takes place over a long time, usually millions of years. They differ in the importance of various factors that can accelerate or slow down the process. For example the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these disagreements, most scientists believe that evolution is real and that the evidence to prove it is overwhelming.
What evidence can be found for evolution?
In the decades since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence that supports Darwin's theory of evolution. Some of this evidence is derived from fossils which show the changing characteristics of living organisms over time. Additional evidence can be found in similarities between living organisms, embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
The most important proof of evolution is in the evolutionary tree, which illustrates how different species are related. Homologous structures are another proof. They have a similar structure but serve different purposes in different species, for instance, the wing of a bird or bat. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to a similar environment is also evidence of evolution. For instance, arctic-foxes and ptarmigans have seasonal white pelts to blend into snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolutionary, which suggests that the species has common ancestral ancestors.
The vestiges of structures are another source of evidence. They are the remains of an organism which may serve a function in the past. The human appendix, for example is an odour from an organ that was once used to digest food. Natural selection causes these structures to shrink as they are no longer utilized.
Scientists have also gathered additional evidence of evolution through observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six distinct categories: changes that can be observed at small scales, biogeographic distributions and comparative anatomies, the fossil record and genetics. Each of these provides convincing evidence that the evolution of life took place.
While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution it is a scientific fact. It isn't simply a flimsy theory. It is a powerful collection of years of observation and accumulated data that has been proven and tested. Scientists continue to gather and analyze new data to better understand the evolution of Earth's evolution, regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This knowledge will allow scientists to better understand how to avoid future global catastrophes and how to best utilize the resources available on our planet. It will also allow us to better meet the needs of all the people living on this planet.