The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution through natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It connects disciplines as diverse as genetics, microbiology, and Palaeontology.
The study of evolution may be controversial, and the misinformation that is generated can lead to confusion about the fundamentals of evolution. This site can help explain the most important concepts.
What is Evolution?
The modern understanding of evolution focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen within populations over time. These changes are the result of natural selection, a process that increases the number of organisms who have traits that are beneficial and help them survive and reproduce in a particular environment. They produce more offspring as a result of the beneficial characteristics. This can result in a genetic mutation which could eventually lead to new species.
The term "evolution" is often associated with "survival-of-the best" which means that those who are better adjusted to certain conditions will have an advantage over those less well adapted. This is just one of many ways that evolution can occur.
Another way of using the word evolution is to suggest that species will progress from one state to the next. This theory of evolution is called anagenetic or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution in science does not support this idea. The scientific theory of evolutionary changes focuses on the changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result of mutations that result from natural selection and genomic variation.
Some scientists, such as the great Charles Darwin, advocated this theory of evolution. Others, notably Alfred Russel Wallace, who developed the theory of macroevolution believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could be derived from lower forms.
A theory must stand against rigorous tests and evidence to be considered a theory. The evidence of evolution has withstood the test of time and has been supported by a myriad of studies across many scientific disciplines, ranging from biology to geology to chemistry to astronomy. In fact evolution is regarded as one of the cornerstones of science today and is supported by the vast majority of scientists worldwide. However, there are many misconceptions about the theory of evolution, specifically how it is related to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is the scientific explanation for the way living things change over time. It is based on a few well-established facts: that many more offspring are produced than can be surviving as individuals differ in their physical characteristics, and that they are able to pass on traits to the next generation. These observations are supported by the increasing amount of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology climatology, functional morphology and geology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently conceived the theory of evolution based on selection in the mid-19th century as a reason why organisms are able to adapt to their physical and biologic environments. It is today the most supported and widely-tested theory in all of science. Its theories have been proven out by the fact that, for instance complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism becomes in terms of surviving 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 meaning to life. However, many scientists who are also religious believers like the famous Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not only compatible with belief in God but also enhances it (BioLogos 2014).
Many highly skilled evolutionary biologists have been involved in constructing and testing the theory of evolution, including several highly respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these scientists contributed to the understanding a broad range of phenomena, including phylogenetics and genomics, as well as the formation and function fossils.
The term "theory" is sometimes used to refer to a speculation or guess but in reality it refers to a scientific idea that has been systematically evaluated and refined over time. Scientists test hypotheses through repeating the experiments or observations that led them to their conclusions. Therefore the theory of evolutionary theory has been repeatedly proven, as have the corresponding theories of Copernican theory as well as atomic theory and germ theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is a gradual change in the proportions of genetically different individuals within a particular species over time. This is the result of natural selection, which favors individuals who are more adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have higher chances of reproducing and survival. As more of these people survive and reproduce their genes, they are more prevalent in the population. This process is sometimes referred to as "survival for the strongest."
According to the theory of evolution, the mutations that produce genomic variation are the raw basis for evolutionary change. These mutations can occur at random or be influenced by the environment. When mutations are random the resulting allele frequencies may differ from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial it will increase the allele frequency and cause the allele to be spread across the population.
These changes in allele frequency could lead to new species as time passes. The new species may grow and evolve into newer forms. This is a process called macroevolution. The development of new species is usually caused by changes in the environment, that make certain resources accessible or creates new environmental issues. For example, the evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of various food sources and the need to protect themselves from predators.
In a larger sense the term "evolution" refers to any change that occurs in the traits of organisms over the course of time. This change can be subtle, like the development of new coloration or dramatic, like the formation of an organ.
Scientists who accept the theory of evolution generally agree on the significance of genetic change in the process that causes evolution. They also believe that evolution is a process that happens over time, usually over a period of millions of years. However, they differ on the role of different factors in accelerating or retarding the process, like the role of environmental pressures, sexual selection and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists believe that evolution is happening and that the evidence for this is overwhelming.
What evidence do we have to support evolution?
In the decades since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence to support his theory of evolution. This evidence comes from fossils that show the evolution of living organisms over time. Similarities between living and non-living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography and genetics are evidence.
The evolutionary tree is the most effective method to prove the existence of evolution. It shows how species are related. Another source of evidence is homologous structures, which have similar structures in different species but have distinct functions like the wings of bats and birds. Evolution is evident in the way that different species adapt and grow to similar environments. For instance, arctic foxes and ptarmigans grow seasonal white pelts to blend in with snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolutionary mechanism, which suggests that the species have shared ancestral ancestors.
Vestigial structures are another piece of evidence. These are a part of an organism which may serve a function in the distant past. For example the human appendix may be a vestige of a once-used organ used to digest food. 에볼루션 슬롯게임 tend to shrink in size as they are no longer used, a process known as natural selection.
Scientists have also gathered evidence of evolution through observation and testing. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six different categories: directly observed changes at small scales biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomy fossil records, genetics. Each of these categories offers solid evidence for the evolution of life.
Although many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution It is an established fact. It isn't only a theory, it is a mighty collection of decades of research and observation that has been proven and tested. Scientists continue to gather and study new information to better understand the evolution of the Earth's life, regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will allow scientists to better understand how we can avoid future catastrophes on the planet, and how to use the resources of our planet. It will also allow us to better meet the needs of all the people living on the planet.