The Evolution Site
The concept of natural selection as the foundation of evolution is the central force in modern biology. It connects disciplines like microbiology, palaeontology, genetics and palaeontology.
The study of evolution may be controversial and the misinformation that is generated can lead to confusion about its basic concepts. This site explains the fundamental concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen in populations over time. These changes are the result of natural selection. This is a process that increases the number organisms with beneficial traits, which allow them to thrive and reproduce in particular environments. They produce more offspring because of the beneficial characteristics. This can lead to a genetic mutation that could eventually result in new species.
The term "evolution" is often associated with "survival-of-the fittest" which implies that people who are better adapted to certain environmental conditions will have a distinct advantage over those less well-adapted. In reality this is just one of many ways that evolution could occur.
Another way that the word evolution is used to suggest that a species will eventually progress from one state of being to the next state of being. This kind of view can be referred to as anagenetic, or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution in science does not support this view. Instead, the scientific theory of evolution focuses on changes that take place in populations over time and these changes are the result of mutations that produce genomic variation and natural selection.
Some scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this view of evolution. 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 be derived from lower forms.
In order for a concept to be referred to as a theory, it has to be capable of surviving rigorous testing and evidence. The evidence of evolution has stood up to the test of time and has been supported by numerous studies in many scientific disciplines, ranging from biology to geology to chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is a fundamental concept in science and is backed by a majority of scientists around the world. Many people are misinformed about the nature of the evolution theory particularly how it is connected to 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 observations: that more offspring are produced than can possibly survive; that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that distinct traits have different rates of survival and reproduction and reproduction; and that these traits can be passed down to future generations. These findings are backed by a growing amount of evidence derived from molecular biology, palaeontology climatology functional morphology geology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently conceived the theory of evolution based on selection in the mid-19th Century as a way to explain how organisms adapt to their biological and physical environments. It is now the best-supported and most extensively tested theory in the field of science. Its theories have been proven out by the fact that, for instance more complex organisms are more likely to have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. In addition, the more successful an organism is at reproduction and survival and reproducing, the more likely it is to pass on its genes to future generations.
Some people are against evolution because they think it suggests that there is no purpose to life. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious such as the renowned Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution isn't just compatible with belief in God but also enhances it (BioLogos 2014).
In fact, a large number of highly trained evolutionary biologists, some of who are renowned 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 vast range of phenomena, like phylogenetics, genomics, and the formation and role of fossils.
The term "theory" that is often misused is a reference to a scientific hypotheses that have been tested and refined over time. Scientists test hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that led them to the conclusion. Therefore, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly borne out, as have the related theories of Copernican, atomic and germ theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is a gradual shift in the genetic makeup of different individuals within a particular species over time. This change is a result of natural selection of individuals who are more adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have better chances of reproduction and survival. As more individuals survive and reproduce their genes are more common in the population. This is sometimes referred to as "survival for the strongest."
According to the theory of evolution, the mutations that produce genetic variation are the basic basis for evolutionary change. These mutations can occur at random or be affected by the environment. When mutations are random, the frequencies of the resulting alleles may vary from generation to generation. However, when a mutation is beneficial it can increase the frequency of the allele, causing it to spread through the population.
Over time, these changes in allele frequencies could lead to the formation of new species. The new species can then grow and evolve into newer forms. This is a process called macroevolution. The creation of a new species is often caused by changes in the environment that allow certain kinds of resources to become available or cause new environmental problems. The development of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example, is due to the availability of new food and the need to defend themselves against predators.
In a broader sense, evolution is defined as any change that takes place in the nature of organisms over time. This change can be subtle, like the development of new colors or a dramatic change, such as the formation of an organ.
Scientists who accept evolution theory generally agree that genetic changes are crucial in the process of creating evolution. They also believe that evolution is a process that happens over time, typically over a period of millions of years. However, they differ over the role of various factors that speed up or slow down the process, like the impact of environmental pressures, sexual selection, and mutation bias. Despite these differences, most scientists believe that evolution has occurred and the evidence to prove this is overwhelming.
What is the evidence for evolution?
Since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence that supports his theory of evolution. A portion of this evidence comes from fossils which demonstrate the changing features of organisms through time. Similarities between living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography and genetics are evidence.
The most important proof of evolution is found in the evolutionary tree, which demonstrates how species are related. Homologous structures are another source of evidence. They share a common structure, but they perform different functions in different species, for instance, the wings of a bird or bat. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to a similar environment is another sign of evolution. For example, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans sport white pelts during the winter months that blend into the snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolution, which suggests that the species had common ancestors.
Vestigial structures are another piece of evidence. These are a part of an organism that could serve a function in the past. For example the human appendix may be a vestige of a once-used organ that served to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size as they are no longer used which is a process referred to as natural selection.
Scientists have also gathered evidence for evolution through observation and experimenting. The evidence for evolution is grouped into six categories: directly observable small-scale changes, biogeographic distribution as well as comparative anatomy, fossil record, classification 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 rather a powerful collection that is founded on decades of observation. No matter what people believe or don't believe about the theory of evolution scientists continue to research and gather new information in order to further understand the history of life on Earth. This information will help scientists better understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and how to best utilize the resources of our planet. This will allow us to better serve the needs of people living on this planet.