The Evolution Site
The theory of natural selection as the foundation of evolution is the central force in the field of modern biology. It connects disciplines such as genetics, microbiology, and the study of palaeontology.
However, the study of evolution is often controversial and the resultant misinformation can confuse people regarding the fundamentals of evolution. This Web site helps clarify essential concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen in populations over time. These changes are the results of natural selection. This is a process which increases the number of organisms that have beneficial traits, which help them to thrive and reproduce in certain environments. The organisms that have these traits produce more offspring because of their positive traits. This results in a genetic change that can eventually lead to the development of new species.
The term "evolution", is often associated with "survival-of-the best" which means that those who are better adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have a distinct advantage over those who are less well adapted. In actuality, this is only one of many ways that evolution could occur.
Another way of using the term "evolution" is to suggest that species are able to move from one stage to the next. This kind of view can be referred to as anagenetic, or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution in science does not support this idea. The scientific theory of evolutionary change is based on changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result mutations that produce natural selection and genetic variation.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this idea. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed that this was the only way in which the higher forms of living could have evolved.
To be able to be referred to as a theory, it has to be capable of standing up to rigorous testing and evidence. The evidence for evolution has withstood the test of time and has been supported by countless studies in various sciences, from biology to geology to chemistry to astronomy. In fact, evolution is accepted as one of the fundamental tenets of science today, and it is backed by the majority of scientists around the world. Many people are confused about the nature of the theory of evolution particularly how it is connected to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is the scientific explanation of how living things change over time. It is based on few established facts: that more offspring are produced than can survive as individuals differ in their physical characteristics, and that they can pass on traits to future generations. These findings are supported by the growing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, functional morphology, climatology, and geology.
The theory of evolution based on natural selection was conceived independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the mid-19th century to provide an explanation for how organisms adapt to their physical and biological environment. It is the most widely supported and tested theory in science. Its predictions have been proved out by the fact that, for example complex organisms tend to have less 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 object to evolution because they believe it implies that there is no purpose to life. Many scientists who are religious believers, like the Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014) believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and can even be enhanced by it.
Many highly skilled evolutionary biologists have been involved in developing and testing the theory of evolution, including several highly respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these researchers contributed to the understanding a vast array of phenomena, such as phylogenetics and genomics, as well as the formation and function fossils.
The term "theory", which is often misinterpreted refers to scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over time. Scientists test their theories by repeating the experiment or observations that have led to them. Therefore the theory of evolutionary theory has been repeatedly confirmed, as have the corresponding theories of Copernican theory, atomic theory, and germ theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is the gradual change over time in the ratio of genetically distinct individuals within a particular species. This is the result of natural selection, which favors individuals who are better adapted for their environment. The better-adapted individuals have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. As more individuals survive and reproduce, their genes are more widely distributed within the population. This is sometimes referred to as "survival for the strongest."
According to the theory of evolution, mutations that lead to genetic variation are the primary reason for evolutionary change. These mutations could occur at random or be affected by the environment. When mutations occur at random and the frequencies of alleles may vary from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it will increase the frequency of alleles which causes the allele to spread throughout the population.
The changes in frequency of alleles can result in new species in the course of time. The new species could grow and evolve into newer forms. This process is known as macroevolution. The formation of new species is often caused by changes in the environment, which make certain resources available or creates new environmental issues. The evolution of finches in Galapagos Islands, for example, is due to the availability of new foods and the necessity to defend themselves from predators.
In a wider sense the term "evolution" can be described as any change in the character of living organisms over time. The change could be minor, such as the development of a new coloration, or even massive, like the formation of a new organ.
Scientists who believe in evolution theory generally agree that genetic change is essential in the process of generating evolution. They also agree that evolution is a process that happens over time, usually over a period of millions of years. They differ on the importance of different factors that can accelerate or slow down the process. For example the role played by sexual selection, environmental pressures, and mutation bias. Despite these differences, most scientists believe that evolution has occurred and that the evidence for this is overwhelming.
What evidence can be found for evolution?
Since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence that supports Darwin's theory of evolution. Some of this evidence is derived from fossils which show the changing characteristics of living things over time. Additional evidence can be found in similarities among living organisms embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
The evolutionary tree is the best method of proving evolution. It 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 bird or bat. The fact that different species develop and adapt to a similar environment is also a sign of evolution. For instance, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans sport white fur coats that blend in with the snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolutionary process, which suggests that the species share common ancestors.
Another piece of evidence is the existence of vestigial structures. These are unused organs that could serve a purpose in the distant ancestors. The human appendix, for example is an odour from an organ that once used to digest food. Natural selection causes these structures to shrink as they are no longer used.
please click for source have also collected other evidence of evolution through observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six categories: directly observable small-scale changes, biogeographic distribution, comparative anatomy, the fossil record, classification and genetics. Each of these categories offers convincing evidence for the evolution of life.
Many people have misconceptions regarding the theory of evolution. However, it's an actual fact. It is not a theory, but a powerful collection built on decades of observation. Regardless of what people believe or don't believe about the theory of evolution, scientists continue to study and gather new information to better comprehend the evolution of life on Earth. This knowledge will allow scientists to better understand how we can avoid future global catastrophes and how to use the resources of our planet. This will allow us to better meet the needs of the people living on the planet.