The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution by natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. It connects disciplines that are as diverse as genetics microbiology, and palaeontology.
The study of evolution can be controversial, and the misinformation that is generated can lead to confusion about its fundamentals. This site can help clarify essential concepts.
What is Evolution?
The current understanding of evolution is based on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen within populations over time. These changes are the results of natural selection. This is a process which increases the number organisms with beneficial traits, which enable them to thrive and reproduce in specific environments. They produce more offspring because of their positive characteristics. This leads to a genetic change that can eventually lead to the creation of new species.
The term "evolution" is usually associated with "survival-of-the most fittest" which implies that individuals who are more adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have a distinct advantage over those who are less well adapted. This is only one of the many ways in which evolution can occur.
Another way that the word evolution is used is to suggest that a species will eventually move from one state of being to the next one. This view of evolution is known as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This is not backed by the definition of evolution that is scientifically accepted. Instead the scientific theory of evolution is based on the changes that occur within populations over time and these changes are caused by genetic mutations and natural selection.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this idea. Others, such as 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.
To be able to be called a theory, it must be capable of surviving rigorous testing and evidence. The evidence for evolution has stood the test of time and has been backed by countless studies in various sciences, from geology to biology to astronomy. Evolution is the foundation of science and is believed by the majority of scientists across the world. Many people are confused about the nature of evolution theory and how it connects with religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is the scientific explanation for the way living things change over time. It relies on a number of well-established observations: that more offspring are often created than are likely to survive in the long run; that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype); that different traits have different rates of reproduction and survival; and that traits can be passed on to the next generation. These observations are backed up by an increasing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional geology, morphology.
The theory of evolution through natural selection was initially conceived by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the mid-19th century as an explanation for how organisms adapt to their biological and physical environment. It is the most well-supported and tested theory in science. Its theories have been proven out by the fact that, for instance more complex organisms are more likely to have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. In addition, the more efficient an organism is in surviving and reproducing, the more likely it is to pass its genes to the next generation.
Some people oppose evolution because they think it implies that there is no reason for existence. Many scientists who are religious such as the Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014) believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and even enhanced by it.
Many highly qualified evolutionary biologists have been involved in the development and testing the theory of evolution, including several highly respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these researchers contributed to the understanding a wide range phenomena, including genomics and phylogenetics, and also the formation and function fossils.
The word "theory" is often used incorrectly to mean a speculation or guess, when in fact it refers to a scientific idea that has been rigorously developed and tested over time. Scientists test hypotheses through repeating the experiments or observations that led them to the conclusion. The theory of evolution has been repeatedly proven out and so have the theories of Copernican, germ 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 change is a result of natural selection of individuals that are better adapted to their environment. The people who are more adaptable have higher chances of reproduction and survival. As more people live and reproduce their genes become more prevalent in the general population. This process is sometimes called "survival for the strongest."
According to the theory of evolution the mutations that result in genomic variation are the raw material for evolution. These mutations could occur randomly or be influenced by the environment. If mutations are random, the frequency of the resultant alleles could vary from generation to generation. In contrast, when an alteration is beneficial it can increase the frequency of the allele, which causes 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 will then develop and evolve into new forms. This is known as macroevolution. The development of new species is often a result of changes in the environment that make certain resources accessible or creates new environmental challenges. The development of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example, is due to the availability of new food and the necessity to defend themselves against predators.
In a wider sense it is possible to define evolution as any change in the character of living organisms over time. This change can be small or even the creation of a new coloration or even massive, like the creation of a new organ.
Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally believe that genetic change is crucial in the process of generating evolution. They also acknowledge that evolution is a process that occurs over time, typically over millions of years. However, they differ over the importance of different factors in accelerating or retarding this process, such as the impact of environmental pressures, sexual selection and mutation bias. Despite these differences most scientists still believe that evolution is real and that the evidence to support this is overwhelming.
What is the evidence for evolution?
In 에볼루션 블랙잭 since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence that supports Darwin's theory of evolution. This evidence is gathered from fossils that demonstrate the evolution of living organisms over time. Additional evidence can be found in similarities between living organisms, embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
The main proof of evolution is found in the evolutionary tree, which shows how different species are related. Homologous structures are another source of evidence. They share a common structure, but they perform different functions in different species, like the wings of a bat or bird. Evolution is evident in that different species adapt and grow to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and ptarmigans grow seasonal white pelts to blend into snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolutionary mechanism, which suggests the species shared common ancestors.
Vestigial structures are a different piece of evidence. They are the remains of an organism which may 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 gathered other evidence for evolution through observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six different categories: changes that can be observed at a smaller scale biogeographic distributions and comparative anatomies fossil records, genetics. Each of these provides compelling evidence that the evolution of life has taken place.
Many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution. But, it's a fact. It is not a theory, but rather a powerful collection that is based on years of observation. Scientists continue to collect and study new information to better understand the history of the Earth's life regardless of whether or not people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will allow scientists to better understand how to prevent future catastrophes on the planet, and how to best utilize the resources on our planet. It will also enable us to better serve the needs of all the people living on the planet.