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The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution based on natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It connects disciplines as diverse as genetics, microbiology and palaeontology.
The study of evolution can be controversial, and the misinformation that is generated can lead to confusion about the fundamentals of evolution. This website helps to to clarify the fundamental concepts.
What is Evolution?
The modern understanding of evolution is based on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen within populations over time. These changes are caused by natural selection, which increases the amount of organisms that have traits that are beneficial and allow them to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. These organisms produce more offspring because of their positive traits. This can lead to a genetic mutation that could eventually result in new species.
The term "evolution" is usually associated with "survival-of-the best" which means that those who are more adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have a distinct advantage over those less well adapted. However this is just one of many ways in which evolution can occur.
Another way of using the word evolution is to suggest that species will progress from one state to the next. This type of view of evolution is called anagenetic or cladogenesis. This theory is not supported by the scientific definition of evolution. Instead, the theory of evolution that is scientifically based concentrates on the changes that occur within populations over time, and these changes are caused by mutations that produce genomic variation and natural selection.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who supported this view. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed that this was the only way in which the higher living forms could have evolved.
A concept must be able stand against rigorous tests and evidence in order to be considered as a theory. The evidence of evolution has stood the test of time and has been supported by countless studies in many sciences, from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. In fact evolution is regarded as one of the fundamental tenets of science today and is supported by the vast majority of scientists around the world. However, there are many misconceptions about the theory of evolution, and particularly how it relates to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution?
Evolution is an explanation for the way living things change over time. It is based on a few known facts: that more offspring are produced than can be surviving and that different individuals have their physical traits and they are able to pass on traits to future generations. These findings are backed by an increasing body of evidence drawn from molecular biology, palaeontology climatology functional morphology geology.
The theory of evolution based on natural selection was developed independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the mid-19th century to explain how organisms adapt to their biological and physical environment. It is today the most supported and most widely tested theory in the field of science. Its theories have been proven out by the fact that, for instance, more complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism becomes in terms of survival and reproducing the more likely it is to pass its genes on to future generations.
Some people are against evolution because they think it suggests that there is no purpose for life. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious believers like the famous Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not just compatible with belief in God but also enhances it (BioLogos 2014).
In actual fact, a significant number of highly skilled evolutionary biologists, including some who are renowned evangelical Christian leaders have been involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Read the Full Article of these scientists contributed to the understanding of a broad range of phenomena, including phylogenetics and genomics, as well as the formation and function fossils.
The word "theory" is sometimes used to refer to a guess or speculation but in reality it refers to a scientific hypothesis that has been systematically evaluated and refined over time. Scientists test hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that led them to the conclusion. Thus, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly proven out and so have the theories of Copernican, germ theory, and atomic theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is the gradual shift over time in the percentage of genetically distinct individuals within a specific species. This is the result of the natural selection of individuals who are more well-adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have higher chances of reproduction and survival. As more of these people survive and reproduce, their genes are more prevalent in the general population. This is sometimes referred to as "survival for the strongest."
According to evolution theory the mutations that cause genetic variation are the primary reason for evolution. These mutations can occur at random or be affected by the environment. If mutations occur in a random manner and the frequencies of alleles will vary from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial, it will increase the frequency of alleles, causing the allele to spread throughout the population.
Over time, these shifts in the frequencies of alleles can result in the creation of new species. The new species could grow and evolve into newer forms. This is a process known as macroevolution. The creation of a new species is often due to changes in the environment which allow certain kinds of resources to become available or create new environmental challenges. For example, the evolution of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the abundance of food sources and the need protect themselves from predators.
In a larger sense, evolution is defined as any change that occurs in the traits of organisms over time. This change can be subtle, like the development of a new color or dramatic, like the formation of an organ.
Scientists who accept the theory of evolution generally recognize the importance of genetic changes in the process of generating evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution occurs over a long period of time, typically millions of years. However, they differ over the role of various factors in speeding or slowing the process, including the influence of environmental pressures sexual selection, and mutation bias. Despite these disagreements, most scientists believe that evolution is real and that the evidence in support of this is overwhelming.
What is the Evidence of Evolution?
Since Darwin's time scientists have collected evidence to support his theory of evolution. This evidence is gathered from fossils that demonstrate the evolution of living organisms over time. Similarities between living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography, and genetics are further evidence.
The primary evidence of evolution is in the evolutionary tree, which illustrates how different species are related. Another source of evidence is homologous structures, which have a similar structure in different species but have distinct functions, such as the wings of birds and bats. Evolution is evident in the way that various species adapt and evolve to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and ptarmigans have seasonal white pelts to blend in with snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolution that suggests that the species has common ancestral ancestors.
Another evidence point is the existence of vestige structures, which are unusable organs which could have served a purpose in a distant ancestor. The human appendix, for example is an odour from an organ that was once used to digest food. Natural selection causes these structures to shrink as they cease to be used.
Scientists have also gathered evidence of evolution through observation and testing. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six categories: directly observable small-scale changes in biogeographic distribution and comparative anatomy, the fossil record, genetics, and classification. Each of these provides convincing evidence that the evolution of life took place.
Although many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution It is a scientific fact. It is not a theory, but a significant collection of evidence built on decades of observation. No matter what people believe or disbelieve about the theory of evolution scientists continue to study and collect new data in order to further know the story of life on Earth. This information will aid scientists better understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and also how to best utilize our planet's resources. It will also enable us to better meet the needs of all the people living on the planet.