The Evolution Site The concept of natural selection as the basis of evolution is the unifying force in modern biology. It connects disciplines as diverse as genetics, microbiology, and the study of palaeontology. The study of evolution can be controversial, and the misinformation that results can lead to confusion over the fundamentals of evolution. This Web site helps to clarify the fundamental concepts. What is Evolution? Modern evolutionary theory focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the results of natural selection. This is a process that increases the number of organisms that have beneficial traits, which enable them to survive and reproduce in specific environments. This means that these organisms produce more offspring than those who do not have the beneficial characteristics. This leads to an alteration in genetics that could eventually lead to the formation of new species. The term "evolution", is often associated with "survival-of-the fittest" which implies that individuals who are more adjusted to certain conditions will have a distinct advantage over those less well-adapted. However this is just one of many ways in which evolution can occur. Another common way the word evolution is used to suggest that a species will inevitably change from one state of being to the next state of being. This view of evolution can be referred to as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This is not backed by the definition of evolution in science. Instead the scientific theory of evolution is based on the changes that take place within populations over time, and these changes are the result of mutations that produce genomic variation and natural selection. Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this theory. ??????? , including Alfred Russel Wallace, who created the macroevolution theory and believed that this was the only way that the higher forms of life could be derived from lower ones. For a concept to be called a theory, it has to be able to stand up to rigorous testing and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time, and has been backed by countless scientific disciplines from geology to biology from astronomy to chemistry. Evolution is a cornerstone of science and is backed by the majority of scientists around the world. Many people are misinformed about the nature of evolution theory particularly how it is connected to religion. What is the Theory of Evolution? Evolution is an explanation for the way living things change over time. It is based on a range of well-established observations that show that more offspring are produced than can possibly survive and that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that distinct traits have different rates of reproduction and survival and can be passed down to future generations. These observations are backed by the increasing body 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 middle of the 19th century as a way to explain how organisms are adapted their physical and biologic environments. It is the most widely supported and validated theory in science. Its predictions have been proved out by the fact that, for example complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism is in terms of surviving and reproducing, the more likely it will transmit its genes to future generations. Some people oppose evolution because they believe that it implies that there is no purpose to life. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious, such as the prominent Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not just compatible with belief in God but can be enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014). In fact, a large number of highly trained evolutionary biologists, including some who are revered evangelical Christian leaders, have been involved in the development and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these researchers contributed to the understanding a vast array of phenomena, such as genomics and phylogenetics and also the formation and function of fossils. The word "theory" is often used to refer to a guess or speculation however it actually is a scientific hypothesis that has been thoroughly developed and tested over time. Scientists test hypotheses through repeating the experiments or observations that led them to the conclusion. Therefore, 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 species over time. This is the result of the natural selection of individuals who are more well-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 become more common within the population. This process is sometimes called "survival for the strongest." According to the theory of evolution the causes of mutations that result in genomic variation are what drives evolution. These mutations can occur at random or be influenced by the environment. When ??????? are random the frequency of the resultant alleles could vary from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it will increase the allele frequency, causing the allele to spread throughout the population. Over time, these shifts in the frequencies of alleles can lead to the formation of new species. The new species could develop further and evolve into newer forms. This is a process called macroevolution. The creation of a new species is usually due to changes in the environment which provide certain types of resources available or cause new environmental challenges. The development of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example is due to the availability of new foods and the necessity to defend 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 minor, such as the development of a new coloration, or large, such as the creation of a new organ. Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally agree on the significance of genetic changes in the process of generating evolution. They also agree that evolution is a process that happens over time, typically over millions of years. They differ on the importance of different factors that may speed up or slow down this process. For instance the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists believe that evolution has occurred and the evidence to prove this is overwhelming. What is the Evidence of Evolution? Since Darwin's time scientists have collected evidence to support his theory of evolution. A portion of this evidence comes from fossils which show the changing characteristics of living organisms over time. Similarities between living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography, and genetics are further evidence. The most important proof of evolution is found in the evolutionary tree, which shows how species are related. Another way to prove it is homologous structures, which have a similar structure in different species, but serve different purposes, such as the wings of birds and bats. Evolution is evident in that different species adapt and develop to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans sport white pelts during the winter months that blend in with the snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolutionary, which suggests that the species have common ancestors. Another piece of evidence is the existence of vestige structures, which are unusable organs that could have served a function in the distant ancestors. For example the human appendix may be a vestige of a once-used organ used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size as they are no longer used in a process called natural selection. Scientists have also gathered evidence for evolution through observation and experimenting. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six categories: directly observed small-scale changes, biogeographic distribution as well as comparative anatomy, fossil record, classification and genetics. Each of these categories provides solid evidence for the evolution of life. Many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution. However, it's an actual fact. It is not only a theory, it is a potent collection of decades of research and observation that has been tested and proven. Regardless of what people believe or don't believe about the theory of evolution scientists continue to research and collect new data in order to further know the story of life on Earth. This information will help scientists to better understand how we can avoid future global catastrophes, and how to use the resources on our planet. This information will also help us better serve the needs and wants of the people who live on our planet.
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