5 Evolution Site Instructions From The Professionals

The Evolution Site

The theory of natural selection as the basis of evolution is the unifying force in the current biology. It ties together disciplines as diverse as genetics, microbiology, and palaeontology.

The study of evolution may be controversial, and the misinformation that is generated can lead to confusion about its fundamentals. This Web site helps explain the most important concepts.

What is Evolution?

Modern evolutionary theory focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that take place in populations over time. These changes are a result of natural selection, which increases the number of organisms that possess beneficial traits that enable them to live and reproduce in a specific environment. In turn, these organisms have more offspring than those that don't possess the beneficial characteristics. This causes a genetic change that can eventually lead to the creation of new species.

The term "evolution" is often associated with the notion of "survival of the strongest," which implies that those people who are the most adapted to a particular set of environmental conditions will have an advantage over those who aren't well-adapted. This is just one of many ways that evolution could happen.

Another common way the word evolution is used to suggest that a species will eventually change from one state to the next state of being. This kind of view can be described as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This is not backed by the scientific definition of evolution. The evolutionary theory that scientists have developed change is based on changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are caused by mutations that result from natural selection and genetic variation.

Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this view. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed that this was the only way that higher living forms could have evolved.

A theory must stand against rigorous tests and evidence to be considered a theory. Evolution has stood the test of time and has been backed by many scientific disciplines, from biology to geology, from astronomy to chemistry. Evolution is a cornerstone of science and is backed by the majority of scientists across the world. However, many people have misconceptions about the nature of the theory of evolution, and particularly the relationship it has with religion.

What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?

Evolution is a scientific explanation of how living things change over time. It is based on a few known facts: that more offspring are produced than can survive and that different individuals have their physical characteristics and that they can transmit traits to the next generation. These observations are backed by the increasing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology functional morphology, climatology, and geology.

Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently conceived the theory of evolution based on selection in the mid-19th century as an explanation why organisms 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 proved out by the fact that, for instance more complex organisms are more likely to have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. Additionally the more efficient an organism is in reproduction and survival in its ability to reproduce, the more likely it is to pass its genes to future generations.

에볼루션 무료체험  oppose evolution based on the belief that it implies that there is no meaning to life. However, many scientists who are also religious believers like the famous Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not only compatible with faith in God but can be enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).

In fact, a large number of highly skilled evolutionary biologists, some of who are renowned evangelical Christian leaders are involved in the development and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these researchers contributed to the understanding of a wide range phenomena, including genomics and phylogenetics, as well as the formation and function fossils.

The term "theory" which is often used incorrectly refers to 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 their conclusions. The theory of evolution has been repeatedly tested 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 change in the genetic makeup of diverse individuals within a species over time. This is the result of natural selection of individuals who are better adapted to their environment. The people who are more adaptable have higher chances of reproducing and survival. As more people survive and reproduce their genes are more widely distributed in the population. This process is sometimes described as "survival of the fittest."

According to evolution theory the mutations that cause genomic variation are what drives evolutionary change. These mutations can occur randomly or be affected by the environment. When mutations occur randomly, the allele frequencies will vary from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it can increase the frequency of the allele, causing the allele to spread throughout the population.

Changes in the frequency of alleles can result in new species in the course of time. The new species can then develop further and evolve into newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The creation of new species is often a result of changes in the environment, which make certain resources available or creates new environmental challenges. For instance, the development of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the abundance of food sources and the need to defend themselves from predators.

In a broader context it is possible to define evolution as any change in the characteristics of living organisms over time. The change could be subtle, such as 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 importance of genetic change in generating evolution. They also believe that evolution is a process that takes place in time, typically over millions of years. They differ in the importance of various factors that can accelerate or slow down this process. For example the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these disagreements, most scientists believe that evolution is real and the evidence to support this is overwhelming.

What evidence do we have to support evolution?

Throughout the years since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence that supports his theory of evolution. The evidence comes from fossils which show the evolution of living organisms over time. Additional evidence can be found in the similarities between living organisms, embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.

The primary evidence of evolution can be found in the evolutionary tree, which demonstrates how species are related. Homologous structures are another source of evidence. They share a similar structure but serve different purposes in different species, for instance, the wing of a bird or bat. Evolution is evident in that various species adapt and evolve to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and ptarmigans develop white fur coats that blend in with snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolutionary process, which suggests that the species have shared ancestral ancestors.

Another source of evidence is the existence of vestigial structures. These are unutilized parts of an organism that could have served a purpose in the distant ancestor. The human appendix, for instance is an odour from an organ that was used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size as they are no longer utilized, a process known as natural selection.

Scientists have also collected evidence of evolution through observation and experimenting. Evidence for evolution is divided into six categories: directly visible small-scale changes, biogeographic distribution and comparative anatomy, the fossil record, classification and genetics. Each of these categories offers convincing 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 a significant collection of evidence built on decades of observation. Scientists continue to gather and analyze new data to better understand the evolution of Earth's evolution regardless of whether or not people believe in the theory of evolution or not. 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 serve the needs and desires of the people living on our planet.