The Evolution Site
The concept of natural selection as the underlying principle of evolution is the defining factor in the field of modern biology. It connects disciplines such as microbiology, palaeontology, genetics and palaeontology.
The study of evolution may be controversial, and the misinformation that is generated can lead to confusion over its basic concepts. This site explains the fundamental concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory is based on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen in populations over time. These changes are the result of natural selection, which increases the amount of organisms that possess beneficial traits that allow them to survive and reproduce in a particular environment. The organisms that have these traits produce more offspring as a result of their positive characteristics. This leads to the genetic changes that can eventually lead to the creation of new species.
The term "evolution" is frequently associated with the idea of "survival of the fittest," which implies that those individuals who are best adapted to a specific set of environmental conditions will have an advantage over those who aren't well-adapted. In reality this is just one of the many different ways in which evolution can occur.
Another popular way in which the word evolution is used is to suggest that a species will invariably change from one state to the next state of being. Going On this page of evolution is referred to as anagenetic or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution in science is not in agreement with this view. Instead the theory of evolution that is scientifically based is based on the changes that happen within 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 theory of evolution. Others, including Alfred Russel Wallace, who created the macroevolution theory, believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could have evolved from the lower forms.
A concept must be able stand up to rigorous tests and evidence to be considered a theory. Evolution has stood the test of time and has been proven to be valid in many scientific disciplines, from biology to geology, from astronomy to chemistry. In fact evolution is regarded as one of the fundamental tenets of science today and is supported by the majority of scientists across the globe. Many people are misinformed about the nature of evolution theory particularly how it is connected with religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is the scientific explanation of the way living things change over time. It is based on a variety of well-established and observable facts that show that more offspring are often produced than could possibly survive and that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype); that different traits have different rates of reproduction and survival; and that traits can be passed on to future generations. These findings are supported by the increasing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, climatology, functional morphology and geology.
The theory of evolution through natural selection was initially conceived by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the late 19th century as an explanation for the reason that organisms are adapted to their physical and biological environment. It is now the best-supported and most extensively tested theory in all of science. Its predictions have been proved out by the fact that, for instance complex organisms have less genetic mutations than simpler ones. Additionally, the more efficient an organism is in being able to reproduce and survive, the more likely it is to pass its genes to the next generation.
Some people are against evolution because they believe it implies that there is no purpose for life. However, many scientists who are also religious like the famous Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution isn't just compatible with faith in God but is enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).
In actual fact, a significant number of highly skilled evolutionary biologists, including a few who are renowned evangelical Christian leaders have been involved in the development and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these scientists have contributed to the understanding of a broad range of phenomena, like phylogenetics, genomics, and the development and function of fossils.
The word "theory" that is often misinterpreted refers to scientific hypotheses that have been tested and refined over a period of time. Scientists test hypotheses through repeating the experiments or observations that led them to their conclusions. So the theory of evolution theory has been repeatedly confirmed as have the corresponding theories of Copernican theory as well as atomic theory 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 species over time. This is the result of natural selection, which favors those who are better adapted for their environment. The people who are more adaptable have higher chances of reproducing and survival. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce their genes, they are more prevalent in the population. This process is sometimes called "survival for the fittest."
According to the theory of evolution the mutations that cause genomic variation are the primary material for evolution. These mutations may occur at random or be influenced by the environment. When mutations are random, the frequency of the resultant alleles could differ from generation to generation. However, when a mutation is beneficial, it increases the frequency of the allele, causing it to spread throughout the population.
Over time, these changes in the frequencies of alleles can lead to the formation of new species. The new species will then grow and evolve into new forms. This is known as macroevolution. The creation of new species is typically due to changes in the environment that make certain resources accessible or creates new environmental challenges. For instance, the development of finches in the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of various food sources and the need protect themselves from predators.
In a wider context the term "evolution" refers to any change that takes place in the nature of living organisms over time. The change could be subtle, like the development of new colors or dramatic, like the formation of an organ.
Scientists who accept the theory of evolution generally agree on the significance of genetic change in generating evolution. They also agree that evolution is a process that occurs 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 this process. For example the role played by sexual selection, environmental pressures, and mutation bias. Despite these differences, most scientists believe that evolution is happening and that evidence for this is overwhelming.
What is the Evidence of Evolution?
Since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence to support Darwin's theory of evolution. The evidence comes from fossils that demonstrate the evolution of organisms over time. Similarities between living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography, and genetics are further evidence.
The evolutionary tree is the most effective method to prove the existence of evolution. It demonstrates how species are related. Homologous structures are another evidence. They share a similar structure but perform different functions in different species, for instance, the wing of a bat or bird. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to the same environment is another sign of evolution. For example, arctic foxes and ptarmigans grow white fur coats that blend in with snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolution that suggests that the species had common ancestral ancestors.
Vestigial structures are a different piece of evidence. These are a part of an organism that may have served some purpose in the past. For instance, the human appendix is remnants of an earlier organ that served 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 evidence for evolution through observation and testing. The evidence for evolution can be classified into six different categories: changes that can be observed at small scales, biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomies, the fossil record and genetics. Each of these provides convincing evidence that evolution of life has taken place.
Many people have misconceptions regarding the theory of evolution. However, it's a fact. It isn't only a theory, it is a potent collection of decades of observation and accumulated data that has been proven and tested. No matter what people believe or don't believe about the theory of evolution scientists continue to study and collect new data in order to further understand the history of life on Earth. This information will help scientists to understand how to avoid future global catastrophes and how to best use the resources of our planet. This information will also allow us to better meet the needs and wants of all the people living on our planet.