The Evolution Site
The theory of natural selection as the basis of evolution is the central force in the current biology. It connects disciplines such as genetics, palaeontology and microbiology.
The study of evolution can be controversial, and the misinformation that comes from it can cause confusion about its basic concepts. This site clarifies essential 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 results of natural selection. This is a process which increases the number organisms with beneficial traits, which enable them to survive and reproduce in particular environments. These organisms produce more offspring as a result of the beneficial characteristics. This causes the genetic changes that can eventually lead to the development of new species.
The term "evolution" is often associated with "survival-of-the most fittest" 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 just one of many ways that evolution can occur.
Another popular way to use the term "evolution" is to suggest that a species are able to move from one stage to the next. This view of evolution can be referred to as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This is not backed by the scientific definition of evolution. The evolutionary theory that scientists have developed changes focuses on the changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result mutations which result in natural selection and genomic variation.
Some scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this theory of evolution. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed this was the only way that higher living forms could have evolved.
A theory must stand up to rigorous tests and evidence in order to be considered a theory. Evolution has stood the test of time, and has been supported in numerous scientific disciplines ranging from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. In actual fact evolution is regarded as one of the fundamental tenets of science today, and it is backed by the vast majority of scientists worldwide. Many people are confused about the nature of the theory of evolution, especially how it relates with religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is an explanation for how living things change over time. It relies on a number of well-established observable facts: that more offspring are often created than are likely to survive; that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype); that different characteristics result in different rates of reproduction and survival; and that traits can be passed on to the next generation. These observations are supported by a growing amount of evidence drawn from molecular biology, palaeontology climatology functional geology, morphology.
The theory of evolution based on natural selection was initially conceived by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the late 19th century to explain the reason that organisms are adapted to their physical and biological environment. It is today the most supported and widely-tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions have been borne out by the evidence that, for instance more complex organisms tend to have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. Additionally the more successful an organism is in surviving and reproducing in its ability to reproduce, the more likely it is to pass on its genes to future generations.
Some people oppose evolution because they believe it implies that there is no reason for existence. However, many scientists who are also religious, such as the prominent Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not just compatible with belief in God but can be enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).
Many highly skilled evolutionary biologists have been involved in developing and testing the theory of evolution, including some respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these scientists have contributed to the understanding of a broad variety of phenomena, including phylogenetics and genomics, and the formation and function of fossils.
The word "theory" is often used in a wrong sense to mean a speculation or guess however it actually is 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 their conclusions. Thus, the theory of evolutionary theory has been repeatedly confirmed along with the related theories of Copernican theory, atomic theory, and germ theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is a gradual change in the genetically different individuals within a species over time. This change is a result of natural selection, which favors those who are more adapted to their environment. The people who are more adaptable have higher chances of reproduction and survival. As more of these people survive and reproduce, their genes become more common in the population. This process is sometimes called "survival of the most fittest."
According to the theory of evolution the mutations that result in genetic variation are the basic material of evolutionary change. These mutations may occur randomly or be influenced by the environment. If mutations occur in a random manner and the frequencies of alleles may vary from generation to generation. When the mutation is beneficial it can increase the frequency of the allele, causing it to spread across the population.
Changes in the frequency of alleles could lead to new species over time. The new species will then develop and evolve into new forms. This is a process called macroevolution. The development of new species is often due to changes in the environment which make certain resources available or creates new environmental problems. The evolution of finches in Galapagos Islands, for example, is due to the availability of new food and the necessity to defend themselves from predators.
In a broader sense, evolution is defined as any change that takes place in the characteristics of living organisms over time. This change can be subtle, such as the development of new colors or dramatic, like the development of an organ.
Scientists who accept the theory of evolution generally agree on the significance of genetic change in generating evolution. They also believe that evolution is a process that takes place in time, typically over a period of millions of years. They differ on the importance of various factors that could speed up or slow down the process. For instance the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures, and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists believe that evolution is real and that the evidence to support this is overwhelming.
What evidence can be found for evolution?
Since Darwin's time scientists have collected evidence to back his theory of evolution. This evidence comes from fossils which show the evolution of living organisms 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 species are closely related. Another source of evidence is homologous structures, which share a similar structures in different species but have distinct functions such as the wings of birds and bats. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to the same environment is also a sign of evolution. For instance, arctic-foxes and ptarmigans have seasonal white pelts to blend into snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolutionary mechanism, which suggests the species shared ancestors.
Another source of evidence is vestigial structures, which are unutilized organs which could serve a purpose in the distant ancestor. For example the human appendix is an oblique reminder of an organ that served to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size when they are no longer utilized, a process known as natural selection.
Scientists have also gathered other evidence for evolution through observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution is divided into six categories: directly observable small-scale changes in biogeographic distribution and comparative anatomy, the fossil record, classification and genetics. 에볼루션 바카라 of these provides compelling evidence that the evolution of life took place.
Many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution. However, it is an actual fact. It is not a speculative theory, but a powerful collection of evidence based on decades of observation. Scientists continue to collect and analyze new data to better understand the arc of the Earth's life, regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will help scientists to understand how to avoid future global catastrophes and also how to make the most of our planet's resources. It will also allow us to better serve the needs of all the people living on this planet.