The Evolution Site
The theory of natural selection as the underlying principle of evolution is the defining factor in modern biology. 에볼루션 무료체험 ties together disciplines such as genetics, microbiology, and palaeontology.
The study of evolution can be controversial and the misinformation that results can cause confusion about the fundamentals of evolution. This site clarifies essential concepts.
What is Evolution?
The modern conception of evolution focuses on the gradual, cumulative changes that occur within 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 help them to thrive and reproduce in certain environments. These organisms produce more offspring because of the beneficial traits. This could cause a genetic change that could eventually result in new species.
The term "evolution" is often ascribed to the notion of "survival of the fittest," which implies that people who are most well-adapted to a specific environment will have an advantage over those who aren't adapted to the environment. In actuality, this is only one of many ways in which evolution can occur.
Another way that the word evolution is used is to suggest that a species will invariably move from one state of being to the next one. This view of evolution is known as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This theory is not supported by the definition of evolution that is scientifically accepted. The evolutionary theory that scientists have developed changes focuses on the changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are caused by mutations that produce natural selection and genetic variation.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who supported this idea. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed that this was the only way in which the higher forms of living could have evolved.
A concept must be able stand against rigorous tests and evidence in order to be considered as a theory. Evolution has stood the test of time, and has been supported in many scientific disciplines, from geology to biology chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is a fundamental concept in science and is backed by the majority of scientists around the world. However, there are many misconceptions about the nature of the theory of evolution, specifically how it is related to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is an explanation in science of the way living things change over time. It is based on a few well-established facts: that many more offspring are created than can survive, that individuals differ in their physical characteristics, and that they can pass on traits 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 by selection in the mid-19th century as a way to explain how organisms are able to adapt to their physical and biologic environments. It is today the most supported and most widely tested theory in all of science. Its predictions were confirmed by the fact that, for instance, more complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations. In addition the more successful an organism is in surviving and reproducing, the more likely it will be to pass its genes to future generations.
Some people are against evolution because they believe it suggests that there is no reason for existence. However, many scientists who are also religious, such as the prominent Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not only compatible with faith in God but can be enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).
Many highly qualified evolutionary biologists have been involved in constructing and testing the theory of evolution, including some respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of them have contributed to the understanding of a broad variety of phenomena, including phylogenetics and genomics and the formation and purpose of fossils.
The term "theory" is often used in a wrong sense to mean a guess or speculation, when in fact it refers to a scientific idea that has been systematically developed and tested over time. Scientists test hypotheses through repeating the experiments or observations that led them to them. The theory of evolution has been repeatedly tested out, as have the related theories of Copernican, germ and atomic theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is a gradual shift in the genetic makeup of different individuals within a species over time. This is the result of natural selection, which favors those who are more adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adaptable have a better chance of survival and reproduction. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce their genes are more prevalent in the population. This is sometimes called "survival of the most fittest."
According to the theory of evolution, the mutations that produce genomic variation are the raw material for evolution. These mutations could occur at random, or under the influence of the environment. When mutations are random, the resulting allele frequencies may differ from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it will increase the frequency of alleles which causes the allele to spread throughout the population.
Over time, these changes in allele frequencies can lead to the formation of new species. The new species will develop and evolve into new forms. This is known as macroevolution. The development of an entirely new species is typically due to changes in the environment which provide certain types of resources available or create new environmental problems. The evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example is due to the availability of new foods and the need to defend themselves against predators.
In a wider context the term "evolution" refers to any change that occurs in the characteristics of living organisms over time. The change could be minor or even the creation of a new coloration or even massive, like the development of a brand new organ.
Scientists who accept evolution theory generally believe that genetic change is important in creating evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution happens over a lengthy period of time, often millions of years. They differ on the importance of various factors that can accelerate or slow down this process. For instance the role played by sexual selection, environmental pressures, and mutation bias. Despite these disagreements, most scientists are still convinced that evolution is real and the evidence to support this is overwhelming.
What evidence do we have to support evolution?
Since Darwin's time scientists have collected evidence to back his theory of evolution. A portion of this evidence comes 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 also evidence.
The primary evidence of evolution is found in the evolutionary tree, which shows how different species are related. Another evidence source is homologous structures, which share a similar structures in different species but serve different purposes, such as the wings of bats and birds. Evolution is evident in the way that different species adapt and grow to similar environments. For example, arctic foxes and ptarmigans develop seasonal white pelts to blend in with snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolutionary process, which suggests the species shared ancestors.
Another piece of evidence is the existence of vestigial structures. These are unused parts of an organism that may have served a function in the distant ancestors. The human appendix for instance, is a vestige from an organ that once used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size as they are no longer used, a process known as natural selection.
Scientists have also gathered other evidence of evolution through observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six categories: directly visible small-scale changes, biogeographic patterns as well as comparative anatomy, fossil record, genetics, and classification. Each of these provides convincing evidence that the evolution of life took place.
While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution, it is a scientific fact. It is not a theory, but rather a powerful collection based on decades of observation. Scientists continue to gather and study new information to better understand the evolution 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 global catastrophes and how to best utilize the resources on our planet. This information will also help us better serve the needs and wants of the people living on this planet.