The Evolution Site
The concept of natural selection as the underlying principle of evolution is the unifying force in modern biology. It ties together disciplines such as genetics, microbiology, and Palaeontology.
The study of evolution can be controversial, and the misinformation that results can lead to confusion about its basic concepts. This Web site helps explain the most important 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 a result of natural selection, which increases the number of organisms who possess beneficial traits that allow them to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. They produce more offspring as a result of their positive traits. This leads to the genetic changes that can eventually lead to the formation of new species.
The term "evolution" is usually associated with "survival-of-the fittest" which means that those who are more adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have a distinct advantage over those who are less well-adapted. In actuality this is just one of the many different ways that evolution could occur.
Another way of using the word evolution is to suggest that species will progress from one state to the next. This view of evolution is referred to as anagenetic or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution that scientists have developed is not in agreement with this view. The scientific theory of evolutionary changes focuses on the changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are caused by mutations that produce natural selection and genetic variation.
Certain scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this view of evolution. Others, such as Alfred Russel Wallace, who developed the theory of macroevolution and believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could be derived from lower forms.
A theory must stand up to rigorous tests and evidence to be considered as a theory. The evidence of evolution has withstood the test of time and has been supported by numerous studies in many scientific disciplines, ranging from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. In fact evolution is regarded as 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 the way living things change over time. It relies on a number of well-established observable facts: that more offspring are often created than are likely to survive in the long run; that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that various traits confer varying rates of reproduction and survival and reproduction; and that these traits can be passed down to the next generation. These findings are backed by a growing amount of evidence drawn from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional morphology geology.
The theory of evolution by natural selection was conceived independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the mid-19th century as an explanation for why organisms are adapted to their biological and physical environment. It is the most widely accepted and tested theory in science. Its predictions were proven by the evidence that for instance, more complex organisms have less genetic mutations. Additionally the more successful an organism is in reproduction and survival and reproducing, the more likely it will be to pass on its genes to the next generation.
Some people are against evolution because they believe it suggests that there is no purpose for life. However, many scientists who are also religious such as the renowned Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not just 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, which includes several highly respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these researchers have contributed to the understanding of a vast variety of phenomena, such as phylogenetics, genomics, and the formation and purpose of fossils.
The word "theory", which is often misused, refers to a scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over time. Scientists test hypotheses through repeating the experiments or observations that led them to them. Thus, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly tested out as have the corresponding theories of Copernican, germ and atomic theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is a gradual shift in the proportions of genetically diverse individuals within a species over time. This is the result of the natural selection of those who are more adapted to their environment. The people who are more adaptable have better chances of reproduction and survival. As more of these people survive and reproduce, their genes become more common within the population. This process is sometimes referred to as "survival of the strongest."
According to the theory of evolution the causes of mutations that result in genomic variation are what drives evolutionary change. These mutations may occur randomly or be affected by the environment. If mutations are random, the frequency of the resultant alleles could differ from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial it will increase the frequency of alleles and cause the allele to be spread across the population.
The changes in frequency of alleles can result in new species over time. The new species will evolve and develop into newer forms. This process is known as macroevolution. The creation of a new species is usually caused by changes in the environment that make certain kinds of resources available or create new environmental challenges. For instance, the development of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of various foods and the need to defend themselves from predators.
In a wider context it is any change that occurs in the nature of organisms over the course of time. The change could be small like the development of a new coloration, or massive, for instance, the development of a brand new organ.
Scientists who accept evolution theory generally agree that genetic changes are essential in the process of generating evolution. They also agree that evolution is a process that happens over time, usually over millions of years. They differ in the importance of various factors that could speed up or slow down the process. For instance the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures, and mutation bias. Despite these differences scientists believe that evolution is happening and that the evidence for this is overwhelming.
What evidence can be found for evolution?
Since Darwin's time scientists have gathered evidence to support his theory of evolution. This evidence comes from fossils that show the evolution of organisms over time. Another evidence comes from the similarities between living organisms, embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
에볼루션 바카라 무료 is the best way to prove evolution. It shows how different species are related. Another source of evidence is homologous structures, which have a similar structures in different species but have distinct functions such as the wings of bats and birds. Evolution is evident in that different species adapt and develop to similar environments. For example, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans have white pelts during the winter months that blend into the snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolutionary process which suggests that the species share common ancestors.
Another evidence point is vestigial structures, which are unusable organs that may have served a purpose in the distant ancestor. For example, the human appendix is a vestige of a once-used organ used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size once they are no longer utilized, a process known as natural selection.
Scientists have also gathered evidence for evolution through observation and testing. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six distinct categories: directly observed changes at a small scale biogeographic distributions and comparative anatomies fossil records, genetics. Each of these provides compelling evidence that evolution of life has occurred.
Although many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution it is a scientific fact. It isn't just a theory; it is a potent collection of decades of observation and accumulated data that has been tested and proven. Scientists continue to collect and analyze new data 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 understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and how to best use the resources of our planet. It will also enable us to better serve the needs of all the people on this planet.