The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution through natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It ties together disciplines such as genetics, microbiology and palaeontology.
However the study of evolutionary theory is often controversial and the misinformation that results can confuse people regarding the fundamentals of evolution. This site can help clarify essential concepts.
What is Evolution?
The current conception of evolution focuses on the gradual, cumulative changes that occur within populations over time. These changes are a result of natural selection, which increases the amount of organisms that have beneficial traits that enable them to live and reproduce in a particular environment. In turn, these organisms have more offspring than those who don't possess the beneficial characteristics. This results in the genetic changes 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 means that people who are most well-adapted to a particular set of environmental conditions will have an advantage over those who aren't adapted to the environment. In actuality it is only one of the many different ways that evolution could occur.
Another way to use the word evolution is to suggest that species are able to move from one stage to the next. This view of evolution is called anagenetic or cladogenesis. This view is not supported by the definition of evolution that is scientifically accepted. Instead the scientific theory of evolution 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, such as the great Charles Darwin, advocated this theory of evolution. Others, including Alfred Russel Wallace, who came up with the macroevolution theory believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could be derived from lower ones.
A concept must be able 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 geology to biology, the sciences of astronomy to chemistry. evolutionkr is a cornerstone of science and is supported by the majority of scientists across the world. Many people have misconceptions regarding the nature of the theory of evolution and how it connects to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution?
Evolution is the scientific explanation of the way living things change over time. It relies on a number of well-established and observable facts such as the fact that more offspring are produced than could possibly survive and that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that distinct traits have different rates of reproduction and survival and reproduction; and that these traits can be passed down to the next generation. These observations are supported by the increasing amount of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, functional morphology, climatology and geology.
The theory of evolution by natural selection was conceived independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the late 19th century as an explanation for why organisms are adapted to their biological and physical environments. It is the most widely supported and tested theory in the field of science. Its theories have been proven out by the fact that, for instance complex organisms tend to have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism gets in terms of its longevity 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 there is no purpose for life. Many scientists who are religious, like the Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014) believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and is even enhanced by it.
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 creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these scientists contributed to the understanding a wide range phenomena, including phylogenetics and genomics, as well as the formation and function of fossils.
The word "theory", which is often misused, refers to a scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over a period of time. Scientists test their theories by repeating the experiments or observations that resulted in them. So the theory of evolution theory has been repeatedly confirmed, along with 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 genetic makeup of different individuals within a particular species over time. This change is a result of natural selection of individuals that are more well-adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adapted have higher chances of reproducing and survival. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce, their genes become more common in the general population. This is often described as "survival of the fittest."
According to evolution theory, mutations that lead to genomic variation are what drives evolution. These mutations may occur at random, or under the influence of the environment. If mutations occur in a random manner and the frequencies of alleles may vary from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial, it will increase the allele frequency which causes the allele to be spread across the population.
These changes in allele frequency can lead to new species over time. The new species can then develop further and evolve into newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The development of new species is typically a result of changes in the environment, which makes certain resources available or creates new environmental challenges. The evolution of finches in Galapagos Islands, for example is due to the availability of new food and the need to defend themselves against predators.
In a wider sense, evolution can be defined as any change in the characteristics of living organisms over time. This change can be subtle, like the development of a new color or dramatic, like the development of an organ.
Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally agree that genetic change is crucial in the process of generating evolution. They also believe that evolution is a process that takes place in time, typically over millions of years. They differ on the importance of different factors that can accelerate or slow down the process. For instance the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these differences most scientists still believe that evolution is real and the evidence to support this is overwhelming.
What is the evidence for evolution?
Throughout the years since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence to support his theory of evolution. A portion of this evidence comes from fossils, which reveal the changing traits of living organisms over time. Additional evidence can be found in similarities among living organisms, embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
The primary evidence of evolution is found in the evolutionary tree, which illustrates how different species are connected. Homologous structures are another proof. They share a similar structure but serve different purposes in different species, for instance, the wings 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 have white pelts during the winter months which blend with snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolutionary mechanism, which suggests that the species have shared ancestors.
Vestigial structures are another piece of evidence. These are parts of an organism that could have served a purpose in the past. For example the human appendix is remnants of an earlier organ used to digest food. Natural selection is a process that causes the structures to shrink when they are no longer utilized.
Scientists have also collected other evidence for evolution through observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be classified into six different categories: directly observed changes at a smaller scale biogeographic distributions and comparative anatomies, the fossil record and genetics. Each of these categories offers compelling evidence for the evolution of life.
Although many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, it is an empirical fact. It isn't only a theory, it is a potent collection of decades of research and observation that has been proven and tested. Scientists continue to collect and study new information to better understand the evolution of Earth's evolution regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will help scientists better understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and also how to best utilize the resources on our planet. It will also allow us to better serve the needs of all the people living on the planet.