The Evolution Site
The concept of natural selection as the basis of evolution is the defining factor in the field of modern biology. It ties together disciplines that are as diverse as genetics microbiology, and Palaeontology.
The study of evolution can be controversial, and the misinformation that results can cause confusion about its fundamentals. This site clarifies the most fundamental concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory is based on the gradual and cumulative changes that take place in populations over time. These changes are the result of natural selection, a process that increases the amount of organisms that have beneficial traits that help them survive and reproduce in a specific environment. As a result, these organisms have more offspring than those that don't possess the beneficial characteristics. This results in the genetic changes that can eventually lead to the formation of new species.
The term "evolution", is often associated with "survival-of-the most fittest" which means that those who are more adapted to certain environmental conditions will have a distinct advantage over those who are less well-adapted. In reality it is only one of the many different ways that evolution could occur.
Another way of using the word evolution is to suggest that a species will progress from one state to the next. This theory of evolution is known as anagenetic or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution that scientists have developed is not in agreement with this view. The theory of evolution that is based on science change is based on changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result mutations that produce natural selection and genomic variation.
Some scientists, such as the great Charles Darwin, advocated this theory of evolution. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed this was the only way in which the higher forms of living could have evolved.
To be able to be considered a theory, it has to be capable of surviving rigorous tests and evidence. The evidence of evolution has stood the test of time and has been supported by numerous studies in various scientific disciplines, ranging from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is a fundamental concept in science and is supported by a majority of scientists across the world. However, many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, particularly how it is related to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is the scientific explanation of how living things change over time. It relies on a number of well-established observable facts: that more offspring are produced than could possibly survive in the long run; that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype); that different traits have different rates of survival and reproduction; and that traits can be passed on to future generations. These observations are supported by the growing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology functional morphology, climatology and geology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently conceived the theory of evolution through selection in the mid-19th Century as an explanation why organisms are able to adapt to their biological and physical environments. It is the most widely supported and tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions have been borne out by the fact that, for instance complex organisms are more likely to have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism gets in terms of its longevity and reproducing the more likely it will transfer its genes to future generations.
Some people are against evolution because they think it implies that there is no purpose to life. Many scientists who are religious, 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.
In reality, a large number of highly trained evolutionary biologists, some of who are respected evangelical Christian leaders have been involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these researchers have contributed to the understanding of a wide variety of phenomena including phylogenetics and genomics, and the formation and role of fossils.
The term "theory" which is often used incorrectly, refers to a scientific hypotheses that have been tested and refined over time. Scientists test their theories by repeating experiments or observations that resulted in them. Therefore the theory of evolution 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 proportion of genetically distinct individuals within a certain species. This is the result of the natural selection of those who are more adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adaptable have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. As more of these people survive and reproduce their genes become more common in the general population. This is sometimes referred to as "survival for the strongest."
According to the theory of evolution the causes of mutations that result in genomic variation are what drives evolution. These mutations can occur randomly or under the influence of the environment. If mutations are random, the frequencies of the resulting alleles may differ from generation to generation. When the mutation is beneficial it will increase the frequency of the allele, causing it to spread across the population.
Over time, these shifts in allele frequencies can lead to the formation of new species. The new species may grow and evolve into newer forms. This is a process called macroevolution. The creation of new species is typically caused by changes in the environment which makes certain resources available or creates new environmental problems. The development of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example is due to the availability of new foods and the necessity to defend themselves against predators.
In a broader sense the term "evolution" refers to any change that occurs in the characteristics of organisms over the course of time. The change could be subtle, like the development of new coloration or a dramatic change, such as the development of an organ.
Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally agree that genetic changes are crucial in the process of generating evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution happens over a long time, usually millions of years. However, they differ on the role of various factors in accelerating or retarding this process, such as the impact of environmental pressures, sexual selection, and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists believe that evolution has happened and that evidence for this is overwhelming.
What evidence can be found for evolution?
Since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence to support his theory of evolution. This evidence comes from fossils that demonstrate the evolution of living organisms over time. Other evidence is found in similarities among living organisms, embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
에볼루션 블랙잭 is the best way to prove evolution. It shows how different species are related. Another way to prove it is homologous structures, which have similar structures in different species but serve different purposes like the wings of bats and birds. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to the same environment is also a sign of evolution. For example, arctic foxes and ptarmigans have white fur coats that blend in with snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolutionary process which suggests that the species have shared ancestral ancestors.
Vestigial structures are a different piece of evidence. These are parts of an organism which may serve a function in the past. For example the human appendix may be remnants of an earlier organ that was used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size as they are no longer utilized in a process called natural selection.
Scientists have also gathered other evidence of evolution through observation and experimentation. Evidence for evolution is grouped into six categories: directly observable small-scale changes in biogeographic distribution and comparative anatomy, the fossil record, classification and genetics. Each of these provides compelling evidence that evolution of life has taken place.
Many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution. But, it's a fact. It is not only a theory, it is a mighty collection of decades of research and observation that has been proven and tested. Scientists continue to collect and analyze new data 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 help scientists better understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and also how to make the most of our planet's resources. This information will also allow us to better meet the needs and desires of the people living on our planet.