The Evolution Site
The theory of natural selection as the basis of evolution is the unifying force in the current biology. It ties together disciplines as diverse as genetics, microbiology and the study of palaeontology.
The study of evolution can be controversial, and the misinformation that is generated can cause confusion about the fundamentals of evolution. This site clarifies essential concepts.
What is Evolution?
The current understanding of evolution is based on the gradual, cumulative changes that occur within populations over time. These changes are the result of natural selection, a process that increases the number of organisms who possess beneficial traits that allow them to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. In turn, these organisms leave more offspring than those that do not have the beneficial traits. This can cause a genetic change which could eventually lead to new species.
The term "evolution" is often associated with "survival-of-the fittest" which implies that people who are better adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have a distinct advantage over those who are less well adapted. This is only one of the many ways in which evolution can happen.
Another way of using 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 referred to as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This theory is not supported by the scientific definition of evolution. The evolutionary theory that scientists have developed change focuses instead on the 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 idea. Others, including Alfred Russel Wallace, who came up with the macroevolution theory, believed that this was the only way that the higher forms of life could have evolved from the lower forms.
A concept must be able stand against 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 a myriad of studies across many sciences, from biology to geology to chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is the foundation of science and is backed by the majority of scientists around the world. However, there are many misconceptions about the theory of evolution, specifically the relationship it has with religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is the scientific explanation for the way living things change over time. It is based on a range of well-established observable facts: that more offspring are created than are likely to survive; that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that distinct characteristics result in different rates of survival and reproduction and reproduction; and that these traits can be passed down to the next generation. These findings are backed by an increasing body of evidence derived from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional geology, morphology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently conceived the theory of evolution based on selection in the mid-19th century as an explanation why organisms are able to adapt to their physical and biologic environments. It is today the most supported and most extensively tested theory in all of science. Its theories have been proven out by the evidence that, for instance complex organisms tend to have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. In addition the more successful an organism is in being able to reproduce and survive, the more likely it is to pass its genes to future generations.
Some people oppose evolution based on the belief that it implies that there is no meaning to life. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious believers such as the renowned Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not just compatible with belief in God but can be enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).
In actual fact, a significant number of highly qualified evolutionary biologists, including a few who are renowned evangelical Christian leaders have been involved in the development and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these scientists have contributed to the understanding of a broad variety of phenomena, like phylogenetics, genomics, and the formation and function of fossils.
The term "theory" is sometimes used incorrectly to mean a guess or speculation but in reality it is a scientific hypothesis that has been thoroughly developed and tested over time. Scientists test their theories by repeating experiments or observations that resulted in them. Thus, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly proven out as have the corresponding theories of Copernican, atomic and germ theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is the gradual change over time in the ratio of genetically distinct individuals within a certain species. This is the result of natural selection of individuals who are more adapted to their environment. The better-adapted individuals have a better chance of survival and reproduction. As more of these people survive and reproduce, their genes are more prevalent within the population. This process is sometimes called "survival for the strongest."
According to the theory of evolution the mutations that cause genetic variation are the basic basis for evolutionary change. These mutations can occur randomly or be influenced by the environment. If mutations are random, the frequencies of the resulting alleles may differ from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial it will increase the allele frequency, causing the allele to spread throughout the population.
These changes in allele frequency can lead to new species as time passes. The new species could continue to evolve and become newer forms. This is a process called macroevolution. The development of new species is typically caused by changes in the environment that make certain resources accessible or creates new environmental challenges. For instance, the development of finches in the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of various food sources and the need protect themselves from predators.
In a wider sense, evolution can be defined as any change in the nature of living organisms over time. This change can be subtle, such as the development of a new color or a dramatic change, such as the formation of an organ.
Scientists who believe in evolution theory generally agree that genetic changes are important in the process of generating evolution. They also agree that evolution is a process that happens over time, usually over millions of years. However, they differ on the role of various factors in speeding or slowing the process, like the influence of environmental pressures sexual selection and mutation bias. Despite these disagreements, most scientists still believe that evolution is real and the evidence to support this is overwhelming.
What is the Evidence of Evolution?
Since talks about it , scientists have collected evidence to support his theory of evolution. This evidence comes from fossils that demonstrate the evolution of organisms over time. Additional evidence can be found in similarities among living organisms embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
The evolutionary tree is the most effective way to prove evolution. It demonstrates how species are closely 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 evident in the way that different species adapt and develop to similar environments. For instance, arctic foxes and Ptarmigans have white pelts during the winter months which blend with snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolutionary process, which suggests the species shared ancestors.
Vestigial structures are a different piece of evidence. They are the remains of an organism which may have served some purpose in the distant past. For example the human appendix is a vestige of a once-used organ that was used to digest food. Natural selection causes these structures to shrink as they are no longer utilized.
Scientists have also gathered evidence for evolution through observation and experimenting. Evidence for evolution is divided into six categories: directly observed small-scale changes, biogeographic distribution and comparative anatomy, the fossil record, classification and genetics. Each of these categories offers solid evidence for the evolution of life.
While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution it is a scientific fact. It isn't just a theory; it is a potent collection of years of research and observation that has been proven and tested. Regardless of what people believe or don't believe about the theory of evolution scientists continue to study and gather new information to better comprehend the evolution of life on Earth. This information will aid scientists to understand how to avoid future global catastrophes and also how to make the most of our planet's resources. This information will also allow us to better meet the needs and desires of the people living on this planet.