The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution based on natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It combines disciplines such as genetics, palaeontology and microbiology.
The study of evolution may be controversial, and the misinformation that results can lead to confusion about the fundamentals of evolution. 무료 에볼루션 clarifies essential concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that take place in 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 survive and reproduce in particular environments. They produce more offspring as a result of the positive traits. This can cause a genetic change that could eventually result in new species.
The term "evolution", is often associated with "survival-of-the best" which implies that people who are better adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have an advantage over those less well-adapted. In actuality this is just one of the many ways that evolution can occur.
Another way of using the term "evolution" is to suggest that species can change from one state to the next. This type of view of evolution could be described as anagenetic, or cladogenesis. This view is not supported by the definition of evolution in science. The theory of evolution that is based on science change is based on changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result mutations which result in natural selection and genetic variation.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this view. Others, notably Alfred Russel Wallace, who developed the theory of macroevolution, believed that this was the only way that the higher forms of life could be derived from lower ones.
For a concept to be considered a theory, it must be capable of standing up to rigorous testing and evidence. The evidence for evolution has withstood the test of time and has been supported by a myriad of studies across a wide range of scientific disciplines, from biology to geology to chemistry to astronomy. In reality evolution is regarded as one of the cornerstones of science today and is backed by the majority of scientists across the globe. Many people are confused about the nature of evolution theory particularly how it is connected with religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution?
Evolution is the scientific explanation for the way living things change over time. It relies on a number of well-established observable facts that show that more offspring are produced than can possibly survive; that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype); that different traits have different rates of survival and reproduction and can be passed on to the next generation. These findings are supported by the increasing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, climatology, functional morphology and geology.
The theory of evolution through natural selection was conceived independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the mid-19th century to provide an explanation for why organisms are adapted to their biological and physical environments. It is now the best-supported and widely-tested theory in all of science. Its predictions were proved by the fact, for example that more complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations. Additionally, the more successful an organism is in being able to reproduce and survive and reproducing, the more likely it is to pass its genes to future generations.
Some people oppose evolution because they think it implies that there is no purpose to life. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious believers like the famous Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not only compatible with belief in God but also enhances it (BioLogos 2014).
Many highly skilled evolutionary biologists have been involved in the development and testing the theory of evolution, which includes several revered evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these researchers have contributed to the understanding of a vast variety of phenomena like phylogenetics, genomics, and the development and purpose of fossils.
The word "theory" that is often misinterpreted, refers to a scientific hypotheses that have been tested and refined over time. Scientists test their theories by repeating the experiment or observations that have led to them. The theory of evolution has been repeatedly proven out as have the corresponding theories of Copernican, germ and atomic 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 particular species. This is the result of natural selection of those who are more well-adapted to their environment. The people who are more adaptable have better chances of reproduction and survival. As more people survive and reproduce, their genes are more widely distributed in the population. This is sometimes referred to as "survival for the strongest."
According to the theory of evolution, the mutations that produce genomic variation are the primary basis for evolutionary change. These mutations can occur at random or under the influence of the environment. If mutations occur in a random manner and occur in a random manner, the frequency of the allele will vary from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial it can increase the frequency of the allele, causing the allele to spread throughout the population.
The changes in frequency of alleles can result in new species in the course of time. The new species can then grow and evolve into newer forms. This is a process known as macroevolution. The creation of new species is typically caused by changes in the environment, that make certain resources accessible or creates new environmental issues. The evolution of finches in Galapagos Islands, for example is due to the availability of new food and the necessity to defend themselves against predators.
In a broader context it is possible to define evolution as any change in the nature of living organisms over time. The change could be subtle, like the development of new colors or dramatic, like the development of an organ.
Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally recognize the importance of genetic change in generating evolution. They also agree that the process of evolution occurs over a long period of time, typically millions of years. They differ in the importance of various factors that may speed up or slow down this process. For example, the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these differences scientists believe that evolution has occurred and that evidence for this is overwhelming.
What is the Evidence of Evolution?
Since Darwin's time scientists have collected evidence to back his theory of evolution. This evidence is gathered from fossils that demonstrate the evolution of organisms over time. Other evidence is found in the similarities between living organisms embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
The evolutionary tree is the most effective way to prove evolution. It shows how different species are closely related. Homologous structures are another evidence. They share a similar structure but perform different functions in different species, for instance, the wing of a bat or bird. The fact that different species develop and adapt to a similar environment is another sign of evolution. For instance, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans have white seasonal pelts that blend into the snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolutionary, which suggests that the species had common ancestral ancestors.
Another evidence point is the existence of vestigial structures. These are unused organs which could serve a purpose in the distant ancestors. The human appendix for instance, is a vestige from an organ that was once used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size as they are no longer utilized, a process known as natural selection.
Scientists have also gathered other evidence for evolution through observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six categories: directly visible small-scale changes, biogeographic distribution, comparative anatomy, the fossil record, classification and genetics. Each of these provides convincing evidence that evolution of life took place.
Many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution. However, it is a 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 evolution of Earth's existence regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This knowledge will allow scientists to better understand how we can avoid future global catastrophes, and how to best utilize the resources available on our planet. This information will also allow us to better serve the needs and desires of the people who live on this planet.