The Evolution Site
The concept of natural selection as the underlying principle of evolution is the central force in modern biology. It connects disciplines as diverse as genetics, microbiology, and palaeontology.
However, the study of evolution is often controversial and the resulting misinformation can confuse people about its fundamentals. This site explains the fundamental concepts.
What is Evolution?
The current understanding of evolution is based on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen within populations over time. These changes are caused by natural selection, which increases the number of organisms that have beneficial traits that enable them to live and reproduce in a particular environment. The organisms that have these traits produce more offspring as a result of their positive characteristics. This results in 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 means that people who are most well-adapted to a particular set of environmental conditions will be more successful than those who aren't adapted to the environment. This is only one of the many ways that evolution can happen.
Another popular way in which the word evolution is used to suggest that a species will inevitably progress from one state of being to the next state of being. This type of view of evolution could be referred to as anagenetic or cladogenesis. The scientific definition of evolution does not support this idea. The scientific theory of evolutionary changes focuses on the changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result mutations that produce natural selection and genetic variation.
Certain scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this theory of evolution. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed this was only way the higher living forms could have evolved.
To be able to be called a theory, it must be capable of surviving rigorous testing and evidence. The evidence of evolution has stood the test of time and has been backed by countless studies in various scientific disciplines, ranging from geology to biology to astronomy. Evolution is a cornerstone of science and is supported by the majority of scientists around the globe. Many people have misconceptions regarding the nature of the evolution theory particularly how it is connected to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution?
Evolution is an explanation for the way living things change over time. It is based on a variety of well-established observations: that more offspring are produced than can possibly survive; that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype); that different traits confer varying rates of survival and reproduction; and that traits can be passed down to the next generation. These findings are supported by the increasing amount 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 middle of the 19th century as an explanation why organisms adapt to their biological and physical environments. It is the most well-supported and tested theory in the field of science. Read Significantly more have been proved out by the fact that, for example more complex organisms are more likely to have less genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism gets in terms of surviving and reproducing the more likely it is to transmit its genes to the next generation.
Some people oppose evolution because they believe that it implies that there is no purpose to life. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious believers, such as the prominent Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not only compatible with faith in God but can be enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).
Many highly skilled evolutionary biologists have been involved in constructing and testing the theory of evolution, including some respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these researchers have contributed to the understanding of a vast variety of phenomena including phylogenetics and genomics, and the development and purpose of fossils.
The word "theory", which is often used incorrectly, refers to a scientific hypotheses that have been tested and refined over time. Scientists test hypotheses through repeating the experiments or observations that led them to the conclusion. Therefore the theory of evolution theory has been repeatedly confirmed, as well as the related 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 genetically diverse individuals within a species over time. This change is a result of the natural selection of those who are more adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have a better chance of survival and reproduction. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce their genes, they become more common in the population. This is sometimes described as "survival of the most fittest."
According to the theory of evolution the mutations that result in genomic variation are the primary material for evolution. These mutations could occur at random, or under the influence of the environment. When mutations occur randomly and the frequencies of alleles will vary from generation to generation. When an alteration is beneficial, it increases the frequency of the allele, which causes it to spread throughout the population.
Over time, these changes in allele frequencies could result in the creation of new species. The new species will then develop and evolve into new forms. This is known as macroevolution. The development of new species is typically caused by changes in the environment which makes certain resources available or creates new environmental issues. 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 sense, evolution can be defined as any change in the characteristics of living organisms over time. This change can be small, such as the development of a new coloration, or massive, for instance, the formation of a new organ.
Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally believe that genetic change is important in creating evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution takes place over a long period of time, often millions of years. However, they differ over the role of various factors in speeding or slowing the process, like the role of environmental pressures, sexual selection, and mutation bias. Despite these differences most scientists are still convinced that evolution is real and that the evidence to support this is overwhelming.
What is the Evidence of Evolution?
Since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence to support Darwin's theory of evolution. The evidence comes from fossils that demonstrate 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 is found in the evolutionary tree, which shows how different species are related. Homologous structures are another evidence. They share a similar structure but perform different functions in different species, like 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 instance, arctic foxes and ptarmigans grow seasonal white pelts to blend into snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolution, which suggests that the species has 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 instance the human appendix may be remnants of an earlier organ used to digest food. Natural selection causes the structures to shrink when they are no longer utilized.
Scientists have also collected evidence for evolution through observation and testing. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six categories: directly observed small-scale changes, biogeographic patterns and comparative anatomy, the fossil record, classification and genetics. Each of these provides compelling evidence that the evolution of life has occurred.
While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution It is an empirical fact. It isn't simply a flimsy theory. It is a powerful collection of years of research and observation that has been proven and tested. Scientists continue to gather and study new information to better understand the arc of Earth's evolution regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will aid scientists to understand how to avoid future global catastrophes and how to best utilize our planet's resources. This information will also allow us to better serve the needs and wants of all the people living on this planet.