The Evolution Site
The theory of natural selection as the underlying principle of evolution is the defining factor in modern biology. It brings together disciplines like microbiology, palaeontology, and genetics.
However, the study of evolution is often controversial and the misinformation that results can confuse people about its fundamentals. This Web site helps clarify essential concepts.
What is Evolution?
The modern understanding of evolution is based on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen within populations over time. These changes are the result of natural selection. This is a process that increases the number organisms with beneficial traits, which enable them to thrive and reproduce in particular environments. The organisms that have these traits produce more offspring because of their positive characteristics. 무료에볼루션 could cause a genetic change which could eventually lead to the creation of new species.
The term "evolution" is often associated with the notion of "survival of the fittest" which means that individuals who are best adapted to a specific environment will have an advantage over those who aren't adapted to the environment. This is only one of the many ways that evolution can happen.
Another way to use the word evolution is to suggest that a species are able to move from one stage to the next. This kind of view can be described as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This view is not supported by the scientific definition of evolution. The scientific theory of evolutionary change focuses instead on the changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are caused by mutations that produce natural selection and genomic variation.
Some scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this view of evolution. Others, such as Alfred Russel Wallace, who created the macroevolution theory, believed that this was the only way that the higher forms of life could have evolved from the lower ones.
For a concept to be referred to as a theory, it has to be able to stand up to rigorous tests and evidence. The evidence of evolution has withstood the test of time and has been backed by numerous studies in a wide range of scientific disciplines, from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. In reality evolution is regarded as one of the fundamental tenets of science today, and is supported by the majority of scientists worldwide. Many people are confused about the nature of evolution theory, especially how it relates with religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is an explanation in science of how living things change with time. It is based on a range of well-established and observable facts such as the fact that more offspring are created than are likely to survive; that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype); that different traits confer varying rates of survival and reproduction and can be passed on to the next generation. These observations are supported by the increasing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, functional morphology, climatology, and geology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution by selection in the middle of the 19th century as a reason why organisms are adapted their physical and biological environments. It is the most well-supported and tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions were proved by the fact, for example that more complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations. The more successful an organism is in terms of its longevity and reproducing the more likely it will transfer its genes to future generations.
Some people oppose evolution because they believe it implies that there is no reason to life. Many scientists who are religious such as the Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014), believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and is even enhanced by it.
Many highly skilled evolutionary biologists have been involved in the development and testing the theory of evolution, including several highly respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these scientists contributed to the understanding of a vast array of phenomena, such as genomics and phylogenetics, and also the formation and function fossils.
The word "theory" that is often misinterpreted refers to scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over a period of time. Scientists test their hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that have led to them. Therefore the theory of evolutionary theory has been repeatedly confirmed, along with the related theories of Copernican theory, atomic theory, and germ theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is a gradual change in the genetically different individuals within a species over time. This change is a result of natural selection, which favors those who are more adapted to their environment. The people who are more adaptable have higher chances of reproduction and survival. As more people survive and reproduce their genes are more common in the general population. This is often referred to as "survival of the fittest."
According to evolution theory the causes of mutations that result in genomic variation are what triggers evolution. These mutations may occur randomly or under the influence of the environment. If mutations are random, the frequencies of the resulting alleles may differ from generation to generation. In contrast, when an alteration is beneficial, it will increase the frequency of the allele, causing it to spread across the population.
Over time, these shifts in the frequencies of alleles can lead to the formation of new species. The new species could grow and evolve into newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The development of an entirely new species is typically caused by changes in the environment which allow certain kinds of resources to become available or create new environmental challenges. For instance, the rise of finches in the Galapagos Islands is a result of the abundance of food sources and the need protect themselves from predators.
In a broader context it is possible to define evolution as any change in the character of living organisms over time. The change could be minor like the development of a new coloration or large, such as the creation of a new organ.
Scientists who accept evolution theory generally believe that genetic change is important in generating evolution. They also agree that the process of evolution happens over a long period of time, typically 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 disagreements, most scientists are still convinced that evolution is real and that the evidence to prove it is overwhelming.
What is the Evidence of Evolution?
Since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence to support his theory of evolution. This evidence comes from fossils that show the evolution of organisms over time. Additional evidence can be found in similarities among living organisms embryology, biogeography genetics and comparative anatomy.
The main proof of evolution is found in the evolutionary tree, which demonstrates how different species are related. Homologous structures are another proof. They have a similar structure but perform different functions in different species, such as the wing of a bat or bird. Evolution is also evident in the fact that various species adapt and evolve to similar environments. For example, arctic foxes and ptarmigans develop seasonal white pelts that blend into snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolution, which suggests that the species had common ancestral ancestors.
Another evidence point is vestigial structures, which are unutilized parts of an organism that may have served a purpose in the distant ancestors. For instance, the human appendix is an oblique reminder of an organ that was used to digest food. Natural selection is a process that causes the structures to shrink when they are no longer utilized.
Scientists have also gathered evidence for evolution through observation and testing. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six distinct categories: directly observed changes at a small scale, biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomy fossil records and genetics. Each of these categories provides solid evidence for the evolution of life.
Although many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution it is an established fact. It is not a theory, but a significant collection that is founded on decades of observation. No matter what people believe or deny about the theory of evolution scientists continue to research and gather new information to better know the story 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 on our planet. This information will also allow us to better meet the needs and desires of the people who live on our planet.