The Evolution Site
The concept of natural selection as the foundation of evolution is the unifying force in the field of modern biology. It connects disciplines like genetics, palaeontology and microbiology.
However the study of evolution is often controversial, and the resulting misinformation can confuse people regarding its basic concepts. This site can help to clarify the fundamental concepts.
What is Evolution?
The current conception of evolution focuses 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 of organisms with beneficial traits, which allow them to survive and reproduce in certain environments. They produce more offspring as a result of their positive characteristics. This could result in a genetic mutation that could eventually result in new species.
The term "evolution" is often ascribed to 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 well-adapted. This is only one of the many ways in which evolution can happen.
Another common way the term "evolution" is used to suggest that a species will invariably progress from one state to the next state of being. This view of evolution is referred to as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This is not backed 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 that result from natural selection and genetic variation.
Some scientists, such as the great Charles Darwin, advocated this theory of evolution. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed this was only way the higher living forms could have evolved.
To be able to be considered a theory, it must be able to stand up to rigorous tests and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time, and has been supported in numerous scientific disciplines ranging from geology to biology, the sciences of astronomy to chemistry. Evolution is a fundamental concept in science and is backed by the majority of scientists across the world. However, many people have misconceptions about the nature of the theory of evolution, and particularly how it relates to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is the scientific explanation for the way living things change over time. It relies on a number of well-established observable facts such as the fact that more offspring are created than are likely to survive in the long run; that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype); that different traits have different rates of reproduction and survival and can be passed down to the next generation. These observations are supported by an increasing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology climatology functional morphology geology.
The theory of evolution by natural selection was developed independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the late 19th century to provide an explanation for why organisms are adapted to their physical and biological environment. It is today the most supported and widely-tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions were proven by the evidence that, for instance, more complex organisms are less susceptible to genetic mutations. The more successful an organism gets in terms of its longevity and reproducing the more likely it will transmit its genes to the next generation.
Some people are against evolution because they believe that it implies that there is no purpose to life. However, many scientists who are also religious believers like the famous Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not only compatible with faith in God but is enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).
Many highly qualified evolutionary biologists have been involved in developing and testing the theory of evolution, including several highly respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these researchers contributed to the understanding of a broad range of phenomena, including genomics and phylogenetics, and also the formation and function fossils.
The word "theory" is sometimes used incorrectly to mean an assumption or speculation, when in fact it refers to a scientific idea that has been systematically tested and refined over time. Scientists test their hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that resulted in them. So, 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 the gradual change over time in the proportion of genetically distinct individuals within a particular species. This is the result of the natural selection of individuals who are more well-adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. As more individuals survive and reproduce their genes are more widely distributed in the general population. 에볼루션 무료체험 is sometimes referred to as "survival of the strongest."
According to theories of evolution, mutations that lead to genetic variation are the primary reason for evolutionary change. These mutations can occur randomly or be affected by the environment. When mutations are random, the frequencies of the resulting alleles may vary from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial, it will increase the frequency of alleles which causes the allele to be spread across the population.
Changes in the frequency of alleles can lead to new species as time passes. The new species may develop further and evolve into newer forms. This process 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 development of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of various food sources and the need protect themselves from predators.
In a wider sense the term "evolution" can be described as any change in the characteristics of living organisms over time. The change could be small or even the creation of a new coloration, or large, such as the development of a brand new organ.
Scientists who accept the theory of evolution generally agree on the significance of genetic changes in the process of 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 may speed up or slow down the process. For example the role played by sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists are still convinced that evolution is real and that the evidence in support of this is overwhelming.
What evidence can be found for evolution?
In the decades since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence to support Darwin's theory of evolution. A portion of this evidence comes from fossils which show the changing characteristics of living organisms over time. Similarities between living and non-living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography and genetics are further evidence.
The primary evidence of evolution is in the evolutionary tree, which demonstrates how different species are related. Another evidence source is homologous structures, which share a similar structure in different species, but serve different purposes such as the wings of birds and bats. Evolution is evident in the way that different species adapt and develop to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and ptarmigans develop seasonal white pelts that blend in with snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolutionary mechanism, which suggests the species shared ancestors.
Another source of evidence is the existence of vestigial structures. These are unusable parts of an organism which could have served a function in the distant ancestor. The human appendix, for instance, is a vestige from an organ that was once used to digest food. Natural selection causes these structures to shrink as they cease to be used.
Scientists have also gathered other evidence for evolution through observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six different categories: directly observable changes at a small scale, biogeographic distributions and comparative anatomies fossil records, genetics. Each of these categories provides solid evidence for the evolution of life.
Many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution. But, it's a fact. It isn't just a theory; it is a potent collection of decades of research and observation that has been tested and proven. Scientists continue to gather and study new information to better understand the history of Earth's evolution, regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will aid scientists to understand how to avoid future global catastrophes and also how to best use our planet's resources. 에볼루션 코리아 will also allow us to better meet the needs of the people on this planet.