The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution by natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It combines disciplines like genetics, palaeontology and microbiology.
However the study of evolutionary theory is often controversial, and the misinformation that results can confuse people regarding its fundamentals. This site clarifies the most fundamental concepts.
What is Evolution?
The current conception of evolution focuses on the gradual, cumulative changes that occur within populations over time. These changes are a result of natural selection, a process that increases the number of organisms who have beneficial traits that enable them to live and reproduce in a specific environment. 무료 에볼루션 that have these traits produce more offspring because of the positive traits. This results in a genetic change that can eventually lead to the creation of new species.
The term "evolution" is often ascribed to the notion of "survival of the fittest" which implies that those individuals who are best adapted to a particular set of environmental conditions will have an advantage over those who aren't well-adapted. This is only one of the many ways in which evolution can occur.
Another popular way in which the term "evolution" is used to suggest that a species will eventually change from one state of being to the next one. This theory of evolution is called anagenetic or cladogenesis. This theory is not supported by the definition of evolution in science. Instead, the theory of evolution that is scientifically based is based on the changes that occur within populations over time and these changes are the result of genetic mutations and natural selection.
Some scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this theory of evolution. Others, including Alfred Russel Wallace, who created the macroevolution theory believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could have evolved from the lower forms.
In order for a concept to be called a theory, it has to be able to stand up to rigorous tests and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time, and has been supported in numerous scientific disciplines ranging from geology to biology, the sciences of astronomy to chemistry. In fact evolution is considered to be one of the foundations of science today, and is supported by the majority of scientists across the globe. Many people are confused about the nature of the evolution theory and how it connects to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution?
Evolution is a scientific explanation of how living things change with time. It is based on a variety of well-established observable facts such as the fact that more offspring are often produced than could possibly survive in the long run; that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that distinct characteristics result in different rates of reproduction and survival and reproduction; and that these traits can be passed down to future generations. These observations are backed up by a growing amount 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 middle of the 19th century as an explanation why organisms adapt to their physical and biologic environments. It is the most widely supported and tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions have been proved out by the fact that, for instance more complex organisms are more likely to have less genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism becomes in terms of its longevity and reproducing the more likely it will transfer its genes to future generations.
Some people object to evolution because they believe that it implies that there is no purpose to life. Many scientists who are religious, like the Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014), believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and is even enhanced by it.
In reality, a large number of highly qualified evolutionary biologists, including a few who are revered evangelical Christian leaders are involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of them have contributed to the understanding of a vast variety of phenomena including phylogenetics and genomics and the formation and role of fossils.
The word "theory" which is often misused is a reference to a scientific hypotheses that have been tested and refined over a period of time. Scientists test their theories by repeating experiments or observations that resulted in them. So the theory of evolution theory has been repeatedly proven, as well as the related theories of Copernican theory, atomic theory, and germ theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is a gradual change in the genetically different individuals within a species over time. This change is the result of the natural selection of those who are more adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adapted have better chances of reproduction and survival. As more individuals survive and reproduce their genes are more common in the population. This process is sometimes called "survival for the fittest."
According to the theory of evolution the mutations that cause genomic variation are the primary material of evolutionary change. These mutations can occur randomly or be affected by the environment. When mutations are random the frequencies of the resulting alleles may differ 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.
The changes in frequency of alleles could lead to new species in the course of time. The new species will then grow and evolve into new forms. This is known as macroevolution. The formation of new species is typically a result of changes in the environment, which make certain resources available or creates new environmental issues. For instance, the development of finches in the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of various food sources and the need defend themselves from predators.
In a wider sense the term "evolution" can be described as any change in the character of living organisms over time. The change could be subtle, like the development of a new color or a dramatic change, such as the development of an organ.
Scientists who accept the theory of evolution generally recognize the importance of genetic change in generating evolution. They also agree that the process of evolution happens over a long period of time, typically millions of years. They differ on the importance of various factors that can accelerate or slow down the process. For instance the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these differences, most scientists believe that evolution has occurred and that the evidence for this is overwhelming.
What is the Evidence of Evolution?
Since Darwin's time scientists have collected evidence to support his theory of evolution. A portion of this evidence comes from fossils which demonstrate the changing features of living things over time. Similarities between living and non-living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography and genetics are further evidence.
The primary evidence of evolution is in the evolutionary tree, which illustrates how different species are related. Homologous structures are another source of evidence. They share a similar structure but serve different purposes in different species, for instance, the wing of a bird or bat. Evolution is also evident in the fact that different species adapt and grow to similar environments. For instance, arctic foxes and ptarmigans develop seasonal white pelts to blend in with snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolutionary mechanism, which suggests that the species share ancestral ancestors.
Vestigial structures are a different piece of evidence. These are a part of an organism which may have served a purpose in the distant past. The human appendix for instance, is a vestige from an organ that was used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size once they are no longer used in a process called natural selection.
Scientists have also gathered evidence for evolution through observation and testing. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six distinct categories: changes that can be observed at small scales, biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomy fossil records, genetics. Each of these categories offers solid evidence for the evolution of life.
While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution it is an established fact. It isn't only a theory, it is a mighty collection of years of observations and data that has been tested and proven. 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 information will help scientists to better understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and how to use the resources on our planet. It will also enable us to better serve the needs of all the people on this planet.