The Evolution Site
The theory of natural selection as the basis of evolution is the central force in modern biology. It connects disciplines as diverse as genetics, microbiology and Palaeontology.
However the study of evolution is often controversial, and the resulting misinformation can confuse people regarding the fundamentals of evolution. This site clarifies 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 amount of organisms that possess beneficial traits that enable them to live and reproduce in a particular environment. As a result, these organisms leave more offspring than those that do not have the beneficial characteristics. This could result in a genetic mutation that could eventually result in new species.
The term "evolution" is often ascribed to the notion of "survival of the fittest," which implies that individuals who are best adapted to a particular set of environmental conditions will have an advantage over those who aren't well-adapted. However, this is only one of the many ways that evolution can occur.
Another common way the word evolution is used to suggest that a species will inevitably change from one state of being to the next one. This view of evolution is called anagenetic or cladogenesis. This view is not supported by the definition of evolution in science. Instead the scientific theory of evolution is based on the changes that occur within populations over time, and these changes are caused by mutations that produce genomic variation and natural selection.
Some scientists, such as 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 be derived from lower forms.
To be able to be called a theory, it must be capable of surviving rigorous testing and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time and has been supported 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 a majority of scientists across the globe. Many people are confused about the nature of the theory of evolution, especially how it relates to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is an explanation in science of how living things change over time. It is based on few known facts: that more offspring are created than can survive, that individuals differ in their physical characteristics and that they can transmit traits to the next generation. These observations are backed by the increasing amount of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, climatology, functional morphology and geology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution through selection in the middle of the 19th century as a reason why organisms adapt to their physical and biological environments. It is the most widely accepted and tested theory in science. Its predictions have been proved out by the evidence that, for instance complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism gets in terms of surviving and reproducing, the more likely it will transmit its genes to future generations.
Some people are against evolution because they think it implies there is no reason for existence. However, many scientists who are also religious like the famous Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution isn't just compatible with belief in God but is enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).
Many highly qualified evolutionary biologists have been involved in constructing and testing the theory of evolution, which includes several revered evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these scientists contributed to the understanding a vast array of phenomena, such as phylogenetics and genomics, as well as the formation and function of fossils.
The term "theory", which is often used incorrectly is a reference to a scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over time. Scientists test their hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that have led to them. The theory of evolution has been repeatedly tested 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 genetic makeup of diverse individuals within a species over time. This change is a result of natural selection, which favors those who are better adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adaptable have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. As more individuals survive and reproduce their genes are more common in the general population. This process is sometimes described as "survival of the most fittest."
According to evolution theory, mutations that lead to genomic variation are what triggers evolution. These mutations may occur at random, or under the influence of the environment. If mutations are random, the resulting allele frequencies may vary from generation to generation. However, when a mutation is beneficial it can increase the frequency of the allele, which causes it to spread across the population.
These changes in allele frequency can lead to new species over time. The new species can then continue to evolve and become newer forms. This is 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 instance, the development of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the abundance of foods and the need to protect themselves from predators.
In a wider context the term "evolution" refers to any change that takes place in the traits of living organisms over time. This change can be small like the development of a new coloration or massive, for instance, the creation of a new organ.
Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally agree that genetic change is essential in the process of generating evolution. They also agree that the process of evolution happens over a lengthy period of time, often millions of years. However, they differ over the importance of different factors in speeding or slowing the process, like the role of environmental pressures, sexual selection and mutation bias. Despite these disagreements, most scientists believe that evolution is real and that the evidence to prove it 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 that show the evolution of living organisms over time. 에볼루션 코리아 evolutionkr.kr can be found in similarities among living organisms, embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
The evolutionary tree is the best way to prove evolution. It shows how different species are related. Homologous structures are another source of evidence. They have a similar structure, but they perform different functions in different species, like the wing of a bat or bird. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to a similar environment is another sign of evolution. For instance, arctic-foxes and ptarmigans develop seasonal white pelts that blend into snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolutionary process, which suggests that the species have shared ancestors.
Another piece of evidence is the existence of vestige structures, which are unused organs that could have served a function in a distant ancestor. The human appendix, for example, is a vestige from an organ that was once used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size as they are no longer used which is a process referred to as natural selection.
Scientists have also gathered other evidence for evolution through observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six distinct categories: directly observed changes at a small scale biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomies, the fossil record and genetics. Each of these categories provides convincing evidence for the evolution of life.
Many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution. However, it is a fact. It is not a theory but rather a powerful collection founded on years of observation. Scientists continue to collect and study new information to better understand the evolution of the Earth's life regardless of whether or not people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will help scientists to better understand how we can avoid future global catastrophes and how to best utilize the resources of our planet. This information will also help us better meet the needs and wants of the people who live on this planet.