The Evolution Site

The theory of natural selection as the basis of evolution is the defining factor in the field of modern biology. It ties together disciplines such as genetics, microbiology and the study of palaeontology.

However, the study of evolution is often controversial, and the resulting misinformation can confuse people about the fundamentals of evolution. This site clarifies essential concepts.

What is Evolution?

The modern understanding of evolution is based on the gradual, cumulative changes that occur within populations over time. These changes are the results of natural selection. This is a process that increases the number organisms with beneficial traits, which help them to live and reproduce in specific environments. They produce more offspring as a result of the beneficial traits. This could lead to a genetic mutation that could eventually lead to the creation of new species.

The term "evolution", is often associated with "survival-of-the fittest" which means that those who are better adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have an advantage over those who are less well-adapted. This is only one of the many ways that evolution could happen.

Another way of using the word evolution is to suggest that species will progress from one state to the next. This theory of evolution is known as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This is not backed by the definition of evolution in science. Instead, the scientific theory of evolution concentrates on the changes that take place within populations over time and these changes are the result of mutations that produce genomic variation and natural selection.

Certain scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this theory of evolution. Others, such as Alfred Russel Wallace, who came up with the macroevolution theory and believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could have evolved from the lower ones.

To be able to be referred to as a theory, it must be capable of surviving rigorous testing and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time and has been proven to be valid in countless scientific disciplines from geology to biology the sciences of astronomy to chemistry. In actual fact evolution is considered to be one of the foundations of science today, and is supported by the majority of scientists around the world. However, many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, 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 with time. It is based on a variety of well-established and observable facts: that more offspring are produced than could possibly survive in the long run; that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype); that different traits confer varying rates of reproduction and survival and reproduction; and that these traits can be passed on to the next generation. These observations are supported by an increasing body of evidence drawn from molecular biology, palaeontology climatology functional geology, morphology.

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 are adapted their physical and biologic environments. It is the most well-supported and tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions were proven by the evidence, for example that more complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations. The more successful an organism becomes in terms of survival and reproducing, the more likely it is to transfer its genes to the next generation.

Some people are against evolution because they think it implies that there is no purpose for life. However, many scientists who are also religious believers such as the renowned 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 qualified evolutionary biologists have been involved in the development and testing the theory of evolution, including several revered evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these scientists have contributed to the understanding of a vast range of phenomena, like phylogenetics, genomics, and the formation and function of fossils.

The term "theory", which is often misinterpreted refers to scientific hypotheses that have been tested and refined over a long period of time. Scientists test hypotheses through repeating the experiments or observations that led them to the conclusion. Thus 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 the gradual change over time in the proportion of genetically distinct individuals within a specific species. This is the result of natural selection, which favors those who are better adapted to their environment. The better-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 general population. This process is sometimes called "survival for the strongest."

According to the theory of evolution, the mutations that produce genomic variation are the primary material for evolution. These mutations could occur randomly or be influenced by the environment. When mutations are random, the frequencies of the resulting alleles may differ from generation to generation. In contrast, when a mutation is beneficial, it can increase the frequency of the allele, which causes it to spread throughout the population.

As time passes, these changes in allele frequencies could result in the creation of new species. The new species can then grow and evolve into newer forms. This is a process known as macroevolution. The formation of new species is often caused by changes in the environment which make certain resources available or creates new environmental problems. For instance, the rise of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of different foods and the need to protect themselves from predators.

In a broader context it is possible to define evolution as any change in the nature of living organisms over time. This change can be subtle, like the development of new colors or a dramatic change, such as the development of an organ.

Scientists who accept evolution theory generally believe that genetic change is essential in generating evolution. They also agree that evolution is a process that happens over time, typically over millions of years. They differ on the importance of various factors that may speed up or slow down this process. For instance the role played by sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists believe that evolution has occurred and the evidence to prove this is overwhelming.

What is the evidence for evolution?

Since Darwin's time scientists have gathered evidence to support his theory of evolution. Some of this evidence is derived from fossils which show the changing characteristics of organisms through time. Similarities between living organisms as well as embryology, 에볼루션 블랙잭 biogeography and genetics are also evidence.

The most important proof of evolution can be found in the evolutionary tree, which shows how species are related. Another source of evidence is homologous structures, which have similar structure in different species but perform distinct functions such as the wings of birds and bats. Evolution is evident in the way that various species adapt and evolve to similar environments. For instance, arctic foxes and Ptarmigans wear white fur coats which blend with snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolution that suggests that the species have common ancestors.

Vestigial structures are another piece of evidence. These are parts of an organism that may serve a function in the distant past. For example the human appendix is a vestige of a once-used 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 of evolution via observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six different categories: directly observable changes at a small scale biogeographic distributions and comparative anatomies, the fossil record and genetics. Each of these categories provides solid 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 based on decades of observation. Scientists continue to collect 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 allow scientists to better understand how we can avoid future catastrophes on the planet, and how to best utilize the resources on our planet. It will also allow us to better meet the needs of all the people on this planet.