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The Evolution Site

The theory of evolution through natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. It ties together disciplines as diverse as genetics, microbiology, and the study of palaeontology.

However, the study of evolution is often controversial and the resulting misinformation can confuse people about its basic concepts. This Web site helps to clarify the fundamental concepts.

What is Evolution?

The current understanding of evolution is based on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen within populations over time. These changes are caused by natural selection, a process that increases the number of organisms who have traits that are beneficial and help them survive and reproduce in a specific environment. This means that these organisms leave more offspring than those that do not have the beneficial characteristics. This results in the genetic changes that can eventually lead to the formation of new species.

The term "evolution" is often associated with "survival-of-the most fittest" which implies that individuals who are better adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have a distinct advantage over those who are less well adapted. This is just one of many ways that evolution could happen.

Another common way the word evolution is used is to suggest that a species will invariably change from one state to the next one. This theory of evolution is referred to as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This is not backed by the definition of evolution that is scientifically accepted. The scientific theory of evolutionary 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 idea. Others, notably Alfred Russel Wallace, who came up with the macroevolution theory believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could be derived from lower ones.

A concept must be able stand up to rigorous tests and evidence in order to be considered a theory. The evidence for evolution has withstood the test of time and has been supported by a myriad of studies across many scientific disciplines, ranging from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. In actual fact evolution is considered to be one of the fundamental tenets of science today and is supported by the vast majority of scientists worldwide. However, many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, specifically how it relates to religion.

What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?

Evolution is the scientific explanation of how living things change over time. It is based on a variety of well-established and observable facts: that more offspring are often produced than could possibly survive in the long run; that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype); that different characteristics result in different rates of survival and reproduction and reproduction; and that these traits can be passed down to future generations. These observations are supported by the increasing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, functional morphology, climatology and geology.

The theory of evolution based on natural selection was developed independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the mid-19th century to provide an explanation for why organisms are adapted to their physical and biological environment. It is the most well-supported and validated 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 at reproduction and survival in its ability to reproduce, the more likely it will be to pass its genes to the next generation.

Some people object to evolution because they believe it implies that there is no reason to life. Many scientists who are religious, like the Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014), believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and can even be enhanced by it.

In fact, a large number of highly trained evolutionary biologists, some of who are renowned evangelical Christian leaders are involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these scientists contributed to the understanding of a vast array of phenomena, such as genomics and phylogenetics and also the formation and function fossils.

The word "theory" is often used to refer to a guess or speculation, when in fact it refers to a scientific hypothesis that has been systematically tested and refined over time. Scientists test their hypotheses by repeating the experiment or observations that have led to them. Thus, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly tested out and so have the theories of Copernican, germ theory, and atomic theory.

What is the Process of Evolution?

The process of evolution is a gradual change in the genetically different individuals within a particular species over time. This is the result of natural selection, which favors individuals who are better adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have better chances of reproduction and survival. As more of these people survive and reproduce their genes are more prevalent in the general population. This process is sometimes referred to as "survival for the strongest."

According to the theory of evolution the mutations that cause genomic variation are the raw material for evolution. These mutations may occur at random, or under the influence of the environment. If mutations occur in a random manner and the frequencies of alleles may 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.

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 known as macroevolution. The formation of a new species is usually due to changes in the environment which make certain kinds of resources available or create new environmental problems. For example, the evolution 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 broader context it is possible to define evolution as any change in the characteristics of living organisms over time. This change can be subtle, such as the development of new colors or dramatic, like the formation of an organ.

Scientists who accept the theory of evolution generally agree on the importance of genetic change in the process that causes evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution happens over a lengthy period of time, usually millions of years. However, they differ on the role of different factors in speeding or slowing this process, such as the influence of environmental pressures sexual selection and mutation bias. Despite these differences most scientists believe that evolution is real and that the evidence to support this is overwhelming.

What is the evidence for evolution?

Since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence to support his theory of evolution. A portion of this evidence is derived from fossils which reveal the changing traits of living organisms over time. Additional evidence can be found in the similarities between living organisms, embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.

The primary evidence of evolution can be found in the evolutionary tree, which illustrates how different species are connected. Another source of evidence is homologous structures, which share a similar structures in different species but serve different purposes such as the wings of bats and birds.  에볼루션사이트  that different species develop and adapt to a similar environment is also evidence of evolution. For instance, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans have white pelts during the winter months that blend into the snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolution that suggests that the species have common ancestral ancestors.

Another piece of evidence is the existence of vestige structures, which are unusable parts of an organism which could serve a purpose in the distant ancestors. For example, the human appendix is an oblique reminder of an organ used to digest food. Natural selection causes these structures to shrink as they are no longer utilized.

Scientists have also gathered evidence of evolution through observation and experimenting. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six different categories: directly observed changes at a smaller scale biogeographic distributions and comparative anatomies, the fossil record and genetics. Each of these categories provides compelling evidence for the evolution of life.

Many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution. However, it is a fact. It is not only a theory, it is a mighty 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 evolution of Earth's existence, regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will aid scientists understand how to prevent future catastrophes on the planet and how to best utilize the resources of our planet. This information will also help us better meet the needs and desires of the people living on our planet.