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The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution based on natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. It connects disciplines that are as diverse as genetics microbiology, and the study of palaeontology.
However, the study of evolution is often controversial, and the resulting misinformation can confuse people about its fundamentals. This Web site helps explain the most important 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 amount of organisms that have traits that are beneficial and allow them to survive and reproduce in a particular environment. These organisms produce more offspring as a result of the beneficial characteristics. This leads to the genetic changes that can eventually lead to the creation of new species.
The term "evolution" is often associated with "survival-of-the most fittest" which implies that individuals who are more adapted to certain environmental conditions will have an advantage over those less well-adapted. This is just one of many ways in which evolution can occur.
Another popular way in which the term "evolution" is used is to suggest that a species will invariably move from one state of being to the next one. This type of view of evolution is known as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This theory is not supported by the scientific definition of evolution. Instead, the scientific theory of evolution concentrates on the changes that occur in populations over time and these changes are caused by genetic mutations and natural selection.
Some scientists, such as the great Charles Darwin, advocated this view of evolution. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed this was only way the higher living forms could have evolved.
A theory must stand up to rigorous tests and evidence to be considered a theory. The evidence for evolution has withstood the test of time and has been supported by numerous studies in various scientific disciplines, from biology to geology to chemistry to astronomy. In fact evolution is considered to be one of the foundations of science today, and is supported by the vast majority of scientists worldwide. However, many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, particularly the relationship it has with religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is a scientific explanation of how living things change over time. It is based upon a few well-established facts: that many more offspring are born than can be surviving as individuals differ in their physical characteristics and that they can transmit traits to future generations. These observations are backed up by a growing amount of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology climatology functional geology and morphology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution based on selection in the mid-19th century as a way to explain how organisms are able to adapt to their biological and physical environments. It is the most widely accepted and validated theory in science. Its theories have been proven out by the evidence that, for instance, more complex organisms tend to have less genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism is in terms of survival and reproducing the more likely it is to transmit its genes to the next generation.
Some people oppose evolution because they believe that it implies there is no purpose to life. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious believers such as the renowned Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution isn't just compatible with faith in God but can be enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).
In reality, a large number of highly qualified evolutionary biologists, some of who are respected evangelical Christian leaders are involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these scientists contributed to the understanding of a broad range of phenomena, including genomics and phylogenetics, as well as the formation and function fossils.
The word "theory" which is often misinterpreted is a reference to a scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over time. Scientists test their theories by repeating the experiments or observations that led to them. So, the theory of evolutionary theory has been repeatedly confirmed as well as the related 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 genetic makeup of diverse individuals within a species over time. This change is the result of natural selection of individuals who are more well-adapted to their environment. The people who are more adaptable have better chances of reproduction and survival. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce their genes, they become more common within the population. This process is sometimes called "survival for the fittest."
According to the theory of evolution, the mutations that produce genomic variation are the primary material of evolutionary change. These mutations may occur randomly or be influenced by the environment. When mutations occur at random and the frequencies of alleles may vary from generation to generation. When an alteration is beneficial it will increase the frequency of the allele, which causes it to spread across the population.
Over time, these changes in allele frequencies can lead to the formation of new species. The new species could grow and evolve into newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The formation of new species is usually caused by changes in the environment, that make certain resources accessible or creates new environmental challenges. The evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example is due to the availability of fresh food and the necessity to defend themselves against predators.
In a wider sense the term "evolution" can be described as any change in the characteristics of living organisms over time. This change can be small, such as the development of a new coloration, or massive, for instance, the creation of a new organ.
Scientists who accept evolution theory generally believe that genetic change is important in generating evolution. They also believe that evolution is a process that takes place over time, typically over a period of millions of years. However, they differ on the importance of different factors in speeding or slowing the process, like the impact of environmental pressures, sexual selection, and mutation bias. Despite these disagreements, most scientists are still convinced that evolution is real and the evidence in support of this is overwhelming.
What is the evidence for evolution?
Since Darwin's time scientists have collected evidence to support his theory of evolution. This evidence is gathered from fossils that show the evolution of organisms over time. Another evidence comes from the similarities between living organisms embryology, biogeography genetics and comparative anatomy.
The most important proof of evolution is in the evolutionary tree, which illustrates how different species are related. Another evidence source is homologous structures, which have similar structure in different species but have distinct functions, such as the wings of birds and bats. The fact that different species develop and adapt to the same environment is also a sign of evolution. For example, 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 the species shared ancestors.
Another piece of evidence is the existence of vestige structures, which are unused organs that could have served a purpose in the distant ancestor. The human appendix, for instance is an odour from an organ that was once used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size as they are no longer utilized which is a process referred to as natural selection.
Scientists have also collected evidence for evolution through observation and testing. The evidence for evolution is grouped into six categories: directly observable small-scale changes, biogeographic distribution and comparative anatomy, the fossil record, genetics, and classification. Each of these provides convincing evidence that the evolution of life has occurred.
Many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution. But, it's an actual fact. It isn't only a theory, it is a powerful collection of decades of observations and data that has been tested and proven. Whatever people believe or disbelieve about the theory of evolution, scientists continue to study and collect new data to better know the story of life on Earth. This information will allow scientists to better understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and how best to make use of the resources of our planet. This information will also allow us to better meet the needs and wants of the people who live on this planet.