More actions
The Evolution Site
The theory of natural selection as the underlying principle of evolution is the unifying force in the current biology. It connects disciplines as diverse as genetics, microbiology, and the study of palaeontology.
The study of evolution may be controversial, and the misinformation that comes from it can lead to confusion about its basic concepts. This Web site helps clarify essential concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result of natural selection. This is a process which increases the number of organisms that have beneficial traits, which allow them to thrive and reproduce in specific environments. They produce more offspring because of their positive traits. This could result in a genetic mutation that could eventually lead to new species.
The term "evolution" is often associated with the notion of "survival of the strongest," which implies that those people who are the most adapted to a specific set of environmental conditions will be more successful than those who are not well-adapted. This is just one of many ways that evolution could happen.
Another common way the term "evolution" is used is to suggest that a species will inevitably change from one state of being to the next state of being. This theory of evolution is called anagenetic or cladogenesis. This view is not supported by the definition of evolution in science. The evolutionary theory that scientists have developed change is based on changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result of mutations that produce natural selection and genomic variation.
Some scientists, such as the great Charles Darwin, advocated this view of evolution. Others, including 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.
A theory must stand up to rigorous tests and evidence to be considered a theory. Evolution has stood the test of time and has been proven to be valid in many scientific disciplines, from geology to biology the sciences of astronomy to chemistry. In fact evolution is regarded as one of the foundations of science today, and it is supported by the majority of scientists around the world. However, many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, particularly how it is related to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is the scientific explanation of the way living things change over time. It is based on a range of well-established observable facts that show that more offspring are often produced than could possibly survive and that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype); that different traits have different rates of reproduction and survival; and that traits can be passed down to future generations. These observations are backed by the increasing amount of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, functional morphology, climatology, and geology.
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 the most widely supported and tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions have been proved out by the evidence that, for instance more complex organisms have less genetic mutations than simpler ones. In addition the more successful an organism is in surviving and reproducing in its ability to reproduce, the more likely it is to pass on its genes to the next generation.
Some people are against evolution because they believe it implies that there is no reason to life. Many scientists who are religious like Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014), believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and is even enhanced by it.
Many highly skilled evolutionary biologists have been involved in developing and testing the theory of evolution, including several revered evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these researchers have contributed to the understanding of a vast variety of phenomena including phylogenetics and genomics, 에볼루션 바카라 and the development and purpose of fossils.
The term "theory" that is often used incorrectly refers to scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over time. Scientists test hypotheses by repeating the experiments or 에볼루션 블랙잭 에볼루션 바카라 체험 에볼루션 바카라 무료체험 (More inspiring ideas) observations that led them to their conclusions. Therefore, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly borne 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 percentage of genetically distinct individuals within a certain species. This change is a result of natural selection, which favors those who are better adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adaptable have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce their genes, they become more common in the general population. This process is sometimes called "survival for the fittest."
According to the theory of evolution the mutations that result in genomic variation are the raw basis for evolutionary change. These mutations may occur randomly 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 which causes the allele to spread throughout the population.
The changes in frequency of alleles could lead to new species in the course of time. The new species will develop and evolve into new forms. This is known as macroevolution. The formation of new species is often caused by changes in the environment which makes certain resources available or creates new environmental problems. For instance, the rise of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the abundance of food sources and the need protect themselves from predators.
In a larger sense, evolution can be defined as any change in the characteristics of living organisms over time. The change could be small like the development of a new coloration or even massive, like the development of a brand new organ.
Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally agree on the importance of genetic changes in the process of generating evolution. They also agree that the process of evolution occurs over a lengthy period of time, typically millions of years. However, they differ over 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 still believe that evolution is real and that the evidence to support this is overwhelming.
What is the Evidence of Evolution?
Since Darwin's time scientists have collected evidence to back his theory of evolution. Some of this evidence is derived from fossils which reveal the changing traits of living things over time. Similarities between living and non-living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography, and genetics are further evidence.
The evolutionary tree is the most effective method to prove the existence of evolution. It demonstrates how species are related. Homologous structures are another source of evidence. They share a similar structure, but they perform different functions in different species, such as the wing of a bat or bird. Evolution is evident in that different species adapt and develop to similar environments. For example, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans sport white fur coats which blend with snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolution, which suggests that the species had common ancestors.
Another source of evidence is the existence of vestigial structures. These are unusable organs that may have served a purpose in the distant ancestors. For example the human appendix is a vestige of a once-used organ that served to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size once they are no longer used in a process called natural selection.
Scientists have also collected evidence for evolution by observing and experimenting. Evidence for evolution is grouped into six categories: directly observed small-scale changes in biogeographic distribution, comparative anatomy, the fossil record, genetics, and classification. Each of these provides convincing evidence that evolution of life took place.
Many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution. However, it's a fact. It isn't just a theory; it is a mighty collection of decades of observations and data that has been proven and tested. Scientists continue to collect and analyze new data to better understand the history of the Earth's life, regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will help scientists to understand how to avoid future catastrophes on the planet and how to best use the resources on our planet. This information will also allow us to better serve the needs and wants of all the people living on this planet.