The Evolution Site
The concept of natural selection as the basis of evolution is the defining factor in modern biology. It ties together disciplines such as genetics, microbiology, and Palaeontology.
However the study of evolutionary theory is often controversial, and the resulting misinformation can confuse people about its basic concepts. This site explains 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. 에볼루션코리아 are the result of natural selection. This is a process which increases the number organisms with beneficial traits, which help them to thrive and reproduce in certain environments. This means that these organisms have more offspring than those that don't have these beneficial characteristics. This leads to an alteration in genetics that could eventually lead to the development of new species.
The term "evolution" is frequently associated with the idea of "survival of the strongest," which implies that individuals who are best adapted to a specific set of environmental conditions will be more successful than those who aren't well-adapted. However, this is only one of the many different ways in which evolution can occur.
Another common way the word evolution is used to suggest that a species will eventually move from one state of being to the next state of being. This theory of evolution is known as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This theory is not supported by the definition of evolution that is scientifically accepted. The theory of evolution that is based on science change is based on changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are caused by mutations which result in natural selection and genetic variation.
Some scientists, such as the great Charles Darwin, advocated this view of evolution. Others, notably Alfred Russel Wallace, who created the macroevolution theory believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could have evolved from the lower forms.
A concept must be able stand up to rigorous tests and evidence in order to be considered a theory. The evidence of evolution has stood the test of time and has been supported by numerous studies in many scientific disciplines, ranging from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is the foundation of science and is believed by a majority of scientists across the globe. Many people have misconceptions regarding the nature of the evolution theory particularly how it is connected to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution?
Evolution is the scientific explanation of how living things change over time. It is based upon a few known facts: that more offspring are born than can be surviving, that individuals differ in their physical characteristics and that they can pass on traits to the next generation. These observations are supported by an increasing body of evidence drawn from molecular biology, palaeontology 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 adapt to their biological and physical environments. It is today the most supported and most widely tested theory in the field of science. Its theories have been proven out by the evidence that, for instance more complex organisms are more likely to have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism becomes in terms of survival and reproducing, the more likely it is to transfer its genes to future generations.
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, including some who are respected evangelical Christian leaders are involved in the development and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these scientists have contributed to the understanding of a vast variety of phenomena, such as phylogenetics, genomics and the formation and function of fossils.
The word "theory" is often used in a wrong sense to mean a guess or speculation, when in fact it is a scientific hypothesis that has been thoroughly developed and tested over time. Scientists test their theories by repeating the experiment or observations that resulted in them. Therefore, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly proven out, as have the related theories of Copernican, germ and atomic theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is the gradual shift over time in the ratio of genetically distinct individuals within a specific species. This change is a result of natural selection, which favors individuals who are more adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adapted have higher chances of reproducing and survival. As more people live and reproduce, their genes are more widely distributed within the population. This process is sometimes referred to as "survival for the strongest."
According to theories of evolution the mutations that cause genetic variation are the primary reason for evolutionary change. These mutations may occur randomly or be influenced by the environment. If mutations occur in a random manner and the frequencies of alleles will vary from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial it will increase the allele frequency, causing the allele to be spread across the population.
These changes in allele frequency can result in new species over time. The new species will evolve and develop into newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The development of new species is usually caused by changes in the environment, which make certain resources available or creates new environmental challenges. For instance, the rise of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the abundance of food sources and the need to protect themselves from predators.
In a broader context it is possible to define evolution as any change in the character of living organisms over time. The change could be subtle, such as the development of new coloration or a dramatic change, such as the formation of an organ.
Scientists who accept evolution theory generally believe that genetic change is essential in creating evolution. They also believe that evolution is a process that occurs over time, typically over a period of millions of years. They differ in the importance of various factors that may speed up or slow down this process. For instance the role played by sexual selection, environmental pressures, and mutation bias. Despite these disagreements, most scientists believe that evolution is real and the evidence to prove it is overwhelming.
What is the evidence for evolution?
In the decades since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence that supports his theory of evolution. The evidence comes from fossils that show the evolution of living organisms over time. Similarities between living and non-living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography, and genetics are evidence.
The primary evidence of evolution is in the evolutionary tree, which demonstrates how species are related. Homologous structures are another source of evidence. They share a common structure, but they perform different functions in different species, for instance, the wings of a bat or bird. The fact that different species develop and adapt to a similar environment is another sign of evolution. For instance, arctic foxes and ptarmigans develop seasonal white pelts that blend into snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolution, which suggests that the species had common ancestral ancestors.
The vestiges of structures are another source of evidence. They are the remains of an organism that could have served some purpose in the distant past. For instance the human appendix is an oblique reminder of an organ that served to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size as they are no longer utilized which is a process referred to as natural selection.
Scientists have also collected evidence for evolution through observation and testing. The evidence for evolution can be classified into six distinct categories: directly observed changes at a small scale, biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomy fossil records, genetics. Each of these provides convincing evidence that the evolution of life has occurred.
While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution It is an established fact. It is not a theory but a powerful collection of evidence founded on years of observation. Regardless of what people believe or deny about the theory of evolution scientists continue to study and discover new information in order to further know the story of life on Earth. This knowledge will allow scientists to better understand how we can avoid future global catastrophes and how best to make use of the resources on our planet. This information will also help us better serve the needs and desires of all the people living on our planet.