The Evolution Site
The theory of natural selection as the basis of evolution is the defining factor in the field of modern biology. It brings together disciplines such as microbiology, palaeontology, genetics and palaeontology.
However the study of evolution is often controversial, and the misinformation that results can confuse people regarding its fundamentals. This site clarifies the most fundamental concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory is based on the gradual and cumulative changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are caused by natural selection, which increases the number of organisms who have beneficial traits that help them survive and reproduce in a specific environment. They produce more offspring because of the beneficial traits. This leads to an alteration in genetics that could eventually lead to the development of new species.
The term "evolution" is often ascribed to the notion of "survival of the fittest" which implies that people who are most well-adapted to a particular environment will be more successful than those who aren't well-adapted. However, this is only one of the many different ways that evolution can occur.
Another popular way to use the word evolution is to suggest that a species can change from one state to the next. This view of evolution can be described as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This view is not supported by the definition of evolution that is scientifically accepted. The theory of evolution that is based on science change is based on changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are caused by mutations which result in 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 this was the only way in which the higher forms of living could have evolved.
A concept must be able stand up to rigorous tests and evidence in order to be considered a theory. The evidence of evolution has withstood the test of time and has been supported by a myriad of studies across a wide range of scientific disciplines, ranging from biology to geology to chemistry to astronomy. In reality evolution is considered to be one of the cornerstones of science today and is backed by the vast majority of scientists across the globe. Many people are confused about the nature of evolution theory and how it connects to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is the scientific explanation for how living things change over time. It is based on a few well-established facts: that many more offspring are created than can be surviving and that different individuals have their physical characteristics and that they can transmit traits to the next generation. These observations are supported by an increasing body of evidence drawn from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional morphology geology.
The theory of evolution by natural selection was conceived independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the late 19th century to provide an explanation for why organisms are adapted to their physical and biological environments. It is the most well-supported and tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions were proven by the evidence, for example that more complex organisms are less susceptible to genetic mutations. In addition the more efficient an organism is in being able to reproduce and survive in its ability to reproduce, the more likely it will be to pass on its genes to the next generation.
Some people object to evolution based on the belief that it implies that there is no meaning to life. However, many scientists who are also religious believers such as the renowned Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not just compatible with faith in God but can be enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).
In reality, a large number of highly skilled evolutionary biologists, including a few 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 vast variety of phenomena, including phylogenetics and genomics and the formation and role of fossils.
The term "theory" that is often misinterpreted is a reference to a scientific hypotheses that have been tested and refined over a long period of time. Scientists test hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that led them to them. Thus, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly tested out and so have the theories of Copernican, germ theory, and atomic theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is a gradual change in the proportions of genetically different individuals within a particular species over time. This is the result of natural selection, which favors those who are better adapted for their environment. The more adapted individuals have better chances of reproduction and survival. As more people survive and reproduce, their genes become more prevalent in the population. This is sometimes called "survival of the most fittest."
According to theories of evolution the causes of mutations that result in genetic variation are the primary reason for evolution. These mutations can occur at random or under the influence of the environment. When mutations are random the resulting allele frequencies may differ from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it can increase the frequency of the allele which causes the allele to spread throughout the population.
Over time, these changes in allele frequencies could result in the creation of new species. The new species will evolve and develop 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 problems. The evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example, is due to the availability of new food and the necessity to defend themselves from predators.
In a larger sense the term "evolution" refers to any change that takes place in the nature of organisms over time. This change can be subtle, like the development of new colors or dramatic, like the development of an organ.
Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally agree on the significance of genetic changes in the process of generating evolution. They also acknowledge that evolution is a process that takes place over time, typically over millions of years. They differ on the importance of different factors that may speed up or slow down this process. For instance the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these differences most scientists believe that evolution is real and that the evidence to prove it is overwhelming.
What is the evidence for evolution?
Since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence that supports his theory of evolution. A portion of this evidence is derived from fossils which demonstrate the changing features of organisms through time. Other evidence is found in similarities among living organisms embryology, biogeography genetics and comparative anatomy.
The most important proof of evolution is in the evolutionary tree, which shows how different species are connected. Another source of evidence is homologous structures, which have similar structure in different species, but perform distinct functions, such as the wings of birds and bats. Evolution is also evident in the fact that different species adapt and develop to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and ptarmigans grow white fur coats that blend into snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolutionary mechanism, which suggests that the species have shared ancestors.
Vestigial structures are a different piece of evidence. These are a part of an organism that could have served some purpose in the distant past. The human appendix, for instance, is a vestige from an organ that was once used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size when they are no longer used in a process called natural selection.
Scientists have also gathered evidence for evolution through observation and testing. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six different categories: directly observable changes at a small scale, biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomy, the fossil record and genetics. Each of these provides compelling evidence that the evolution of life has taken place.
Many people have misconceptions regarding the theory of evolution. However, it is an actual fact. 에볼루션 사이트 isn't just a theory; it is a mighty collection of years of research and observation that has been tested and proven. Regardless of what 에볼루션 게이밍 believe or don't believe about the theory of evolution scientists continue to research and collect new data in order to further understand the history of life on Earth. This information will allow scientists to better understand how to avoid future global catastrophes and how to best utilize the resources of our planet. This information will also allow us to better meet the needs and desires of all the people living on our planet.