The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution by natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. It brings together disciplines such as microbiology, palaeontology, and genetics.
However the study of evolution is often controversial and the resultant misinformation can confuse people about its basic concepts. This site clarifies essential concepts.
What is Evolution?
The modern understanding of evolution is based on the gradual change that occurs within populations over time. These changes are the result of natural selection, a process that increases the number of organisms that have beneficial traits that allow them to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. The organisms that have these traits produce more offspring as a result of their positive traits. 무료 에볼루션 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 means that people who are most well-adapted to a particular set of environmental conditions will have an advantage over those who aren't adapted to the environment. This is just one of many ways that evolution can happen.
Another common way the term "evolution" is used to suggest that a species will eventually move from one state of being to the next one. This theory of evolution is called anagenetic or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution in science does not support this view. Instead the theory of evolution that is scientifically based is based on the changes that happen in populations over time and these changes are caused by genetic mutations and natural selection.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this view. Others, such as Alfred Russel Wallace, who came up with the macroevolution theory and believed that this was the only way that the higher forms of life could have evolved from the lower forms.
A theory must stand against rigorous tests and evidence to be considered a theory. The evidence for evolution has withstood the test of time and has been supported by countless studies in a wide range of scientific disciplines, from biology to geology to chemistry to astronomy. In actual fact evolution is regarded as one of the cornerstones of science today, and it is supported by the vast majority of scientists across the globe. However, there are many misconceptions about the nature of the theory of evolution, and particularly how it relates to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution?
Evolution is a scientific explanation of how living things change over time. It is based on a variety of well-established observations such as the fact that more offspring are often produced than could possibly survive and that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that distinct characteristics result in different rates of survival and reproduction and reproduction; and that these traits can be passed on to future generations. These findings 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 by selection in the mid-19th century as a way to explain how organisms are adapted their physical and biologic environments. It is today the most supported and most widely tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions have been proved out by the fact that, for example more complex organisms are more likely to have less genetic mutations than simpler ones. Additionally, the more efficient an organism is in being able to reproduce and survive in its ability to reproduce, the more likely it will be to pass its genes to future generations.
Some people are against evolution because they think it suggests that there is no reason for existence. However, many scientists who are also religious believers, such as the prominent Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not only compatible with belief in God but also enhances it (BioLogos 2014).
In actual fact, a significant number of highly qualified evolutionary biologists, including a few who are renowned evangelical Christian leaders, have been involved in the development and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these scientists have contributed to the understanding of a broad range of phenomena, like phylogenetics, genomics, and the formation and function of fossils.
The term "theory" is sometimes used to refer to a guess or speculation, when in fact it is a scientific hypothesis that has been rigorously evaluated and refined over time. Scientists test their hypotheses by repeating experiments or observations that led to them. Thus, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly proven out as have the corresponding theories of Copernican, germ and atomic theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is a gradual shift in the proportions of genetically different individuals within a species over time. This change is a result of the natural selection of those who are more well-adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have higher chances of reproduction and survival. As more individuals survive and reproduce, their genes are more widely distributed in the general population. This process is sometimes called "survival of the fittest."
According to evolution theory the causes of mutations that result in genetic variation are the primary reason for evolutionary change. These mutations can occur at random or be affected by the environment. If mutations are random, the frequency of the resultant alleles could differ from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial, it can increase the frequency of the allele, which causes it to spread throughout the population.
The changes in frequency of alleles can result in new species over time. The new species will then evolve and develop into newer forms. This process is called macroevolution. The formation of a new species is often caused by changes in the environment which make certain kinds of resources available or cause new environmental problems. For example, the evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of different foods and the need to defend themselves from predators.
In a larger sense it is any change that occurs in the nature of organisms over time. This change can be small like the development of a new coloration, or large, such as the development of a brand new organ.
Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally recognize the importance of genetic change in generating evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution occurs over a long period of time, usually millions of years. However, they differ on the role of different factors in accelerating or retarding the process, including the influence of environmental pressures sexual selection, and mutation bias. Despite these differences most scientists are still convinced that evolution is real and that the evidence to prove it is overwhelming.
What evidence do we have to support evolution?
Since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence to support his theory of evolution. Some of this evidence comes from fossils, which reveal the changing traits of organisms through time. Other evidence is found in the similarities between living organisms, embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
The primary evidence of evolution is in the evolutionary tree, which illustrates how different species are connected. Another evidence source is homologous structures, which have a similar structure in different species, but have distinct functions, such as the wings of bats and birds. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to a similar environment is also a sign of evolution. For example, arctic foxes and ptarmigans develop seasonal white pelts to blend in with snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolutionary process which suggests the species shared common ancestors.
Vestigial structures are another piece of evidence. These are a part of an organism that could have served some purpose in the distant past. For example, the human appendix is an oblique reminder of an organ that was used to digest food. Natural selection is a process that causes these structures to shrink as they are no longer used.
Scientists have also collected other evidence of evolution via 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 fossil records and genetics. Each of these categories provides solid evidence for the evolution of life.
While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution It is an empirical fact. It is not a theory but a significant collection of evidence based on years of observation. Scientists continue to collect and study new information to better understand the evolution of Earth's existence regardless of whether or not people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will aid scientists to understand how to avoid future global catastrophes and how to best use our planet's resources. This information will also allow us to better meet the needs and wants of all the people living on this planet.