The Evolution Site
The theory of natural selection as the underlying principle of evolution is the defining factor in the current biology. It connects disciplines that are as diverse as genetics microbiology, and palaeontology.
However the study of evolution is often controversial, and the misinformation that results can confuse people about its fundamentals. This site clarifies the most fundamental concepts.
What is Evolution?
The modern 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, a process that increases the number of organisms who have traits that are beneficial and enable them to live and reproduce in a particular environment. As a result, these organisms produce more offspring than those who don't possess the beneficial traits. This causes a genetic change that can eventually lead to the development of new species.
The term "evolution" is often associated with "survival-of-the fittest" which implies that people who are better adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have a distinct advantage over those less well-adapted. In actuality this is just one of many ways that evolution could occur.
Another popular way in which the term "evolution" is used is to suggest that a species will eventually move from one state to the next state of being. This type of view of evolution could be described as anagenetic, or cladogenesis. This view is not supported by the definition of evolution that is scientifically accepted. Instead the scientific theory of evolution concentrates on the changes that take place within populations over time and these changes are caused by genetic mutations and natural selection.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who supported this theory. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed this was the only way in which the higher living forms could have evolved.
To be able to be referred to as a theory, it must be capable of surviving rigorous tests and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time and has been proven to be valid in many scientific disciplines, from geology to biology, the sciences of astronomy to chemistry. Evolution is a fundamental concept in science and is supported by the majority of scientists around the globe. However, there are many misconceptions about the nature of the theory of evolution, and particularly how it is related to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is an explanation for how living things change over time. It is based on a variety of well-established observations: that more offspring are often created than are likely to survive; that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that distinct traits have different rates of reproduction and survival and reproduction; and that these traits can be passed on to the next generation. These observations are backed up by a growing body of evidence drawn from molecular biology, palaeontology climatology functional geology and morphology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently conceived 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 now the best-supported and most widely tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions have been borne out by the evidence that, for instance more complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. In addition the more efficient an organism is in surviving and reproducing, the more likely it will be to pass its genes to the next generation.
Some people are against evolution because they believe that it implies that there is no reason to life. However, many scientists who are also religious, such as the prominent 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, including several revered evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these scientists contributed to the understanding of a wide range phenomena, including phylogenetics and genomics, as well as the formation and function of fossils.
The word "theory", which is often used incorrectly refers to scientific hypotheses that have been tested and refined over time. Scientists test hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that led them to them. Thus the theory of evolutionary theory has been repeatedly proven, along with the related theories of Copernican theory, atomic theory, and germ theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is a gradual shift in the genetic makeup of different individuals within a particular species over time. This is the result of the natural selection of individuals that are better adapted to their environment. The better-adapted individuals have a greater chance of survival and reproduction. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce, their genes are more prevalent within the population. This is sometimes referred to as "survival for the strongest."
According to evolution theory the causes of mutations that result in genomic variation are what drives evolutionary change. These mutations can occur at random or under the influence of the environment. If mutations are random, the resulting allele frequencies may differ from generation to generation. In contrast, when an alteration is beneficial, it will increase the frequency of the allele, causing it to spread throughout the population.
As time passes, these changes in allele frequencies can result in the creation of new species. The new species could grow and evolve into newer forms. This is a process known as macroevolution. The development of new species is usually due to changes in the environment, which makes certain resources available or creates new environmental problems. For example, the evolution of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of different food sources and the need protect themselves from predators.
In a broader sense, evolution is defined as any change that takes place in the characteristics of organisms over the course of time. The change could be subtle, like the development of new colors or a dramatic change, such as the development of an organ.
Scientists who accept the theory of evolution generally agree on the importance of genetic change in generating evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution occurs over a long period of time, typically millions of years. However, they differ on the role of various factors in accelerating or retarding the process, like the impact of environmental pressures, sexual selection and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists still believe that evolution is real and that the evidence in support of this is overwhelming.
What is the Evidence of Evolution?
Since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence to support his theory of evolution. The evidence comes from fossils which show the evolution of organisms over time. Similarities between living and non-living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography, and genetics are evidence.
The main proof of evolution can be found in the evolutionary tree, which illustrates how different species are connected. Homologous structures are another source of evidence. They share a similar structure but serve different purposes in different species, like the wing of a bat or bird. The fact that different species develop and adapt to a similar environment is also a sign of evolution. For instance, arctic foxes and Ptarmigans wear white fur coats that blend into the snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolution, which suggests that the species had common ancestors.
Another piece of evidence is the existence of vestige structures, which are unusable parts of an organism that could serve a purpose in a distant ancestor. For example the human appendix may be an oblique reminder of an organ that was used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size when they are no longer used which is a process referred to as natural selection.
Scientists have also gathered additional evidence for evolution through observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be classified into six distinct categories: directly observable changes at small scales biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomy fossil records, genetics. Each of these provides convincing evidence that the evolution of life has taken place.
Many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution. However, it is an actual fact. It is not a theory, but rather a powerful collection that is based on years of observation. No matter what people believe or deny about the theory of evolution scientists continue to research and gather new information to better comprehend the evolution of life on Earth. This information will help scientists understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and how to best use the resources on our planet. 에볼루션게이밍 will allow us to better serve the needs of the people on this planet.