The Evolution Site
The concept of natural selection as the underlying principle of evolution is the defining factor in modern biology. It connects disciplines that are as diverse as genetics microbiology, and Palaeontology.
The study of evolution may be controversial, and the misinformation that is generated can lead to confusion over the fundamentals of evolution. This Internet site helps clarify essential concepts.
What is Evolution?
The current understanding of evolution is based on the gradual change that occurs within populations over time. These changes are a result of natural selection, which increases the amount of organisms that have traits that are beneficial and allow them to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. They produce more offspring as a result of the positive traits. This results in an alteration in genetics that could eventually lead to the creation of new species.
The term "evolution" is often ascribed to the notion of "survival of the strongest," which implies that those individuals who are best adapted to a specific environment will have an advantage over those who aren't adapted to the environment. However, this is only one of many ways that evolution can occur.
Another way to use the word evolution is to suggest that species will progress from one state to the next. This theory of evolution is called anagenetic or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution in science does not support this view. Instead the theory of evolution that is scientifically based concentrates on the changes that occur within populations over time, and these changes are caused by mutations that produce genomic variation and natural selection.
Certain scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this view of evolution. Others, such as Alfred Russel Wallace, who created the macroevolution theory and believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could have evolved from the lower forms.
In order for a concept to be considered 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 supported in many scientific disciplines, from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is a cornerstone of science and is supported by a majority of scientists around the world. However, there are many misconceptions about the nature of the theory of evolution, specifically the relationship it has with 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 range of well-established observable facts such as the fact that more offspring are often created than are likely to survive in the long run; that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that distinct traits confer varying rates of reproduction and survival; and that traits can be passed down to the next generation. These observations are backed up by an increasing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional geology, morphology.
The theory of evolution through natural selection was conceived independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the mid-19th century to explain how organisms adapt to their biological and physical environments. It is today the most supported and widely-tested theory in all of science. Its theories have been proven out by the fact that, for example complex organisms are more likely to have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism becomes in terms of its longevity and reproducing the more likely it is to pass its genes on to future generations.
Some people object to evolution because they believe it implies that there is no reason to life. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious believers such as the renowned 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 qualified evolutionary biologists, some of who are revered evangelical Christian leaders, have been involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these researchers contributed to the understanding a broad range of phenomena, including genomics and phylogenetics and also the formation and function of fossils.
The term "theory" that is often misused, refers to a scientific hypotheses that have been tested and refined over time. Scientists test their theories by repeating the experiment or observations that led to them. Therefore, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly tested 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 ratio of genetically distinct individuals within a specific species. This change is a result of natural selection, which favors those who are better adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have higher chances of reproduction and survival. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce their genes, they are more prevalent within the population. This is sometimes referred to as "survival for the strongest."
According to the theory of evolution the mutations that cause genomic variation are the primary basis for evolutionary change. These mutations can occur at random or under the influence of the environment. If mutations occur in a random manner and the frequencies of alleles will vary from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it will increase the frequency of the allele, causing it to spread through the population.
The changes in frequency of alleles could lead to new species as time passes. The new species will then grow and evolve into new forms. This process is known as macroevolution. The creation of new species is usually due to changes in the environment which makes certain resources available or creates new environmental problems. For example, the evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of different foods and the need to protect themselves from predators.
In a larger 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 formation of a new organ.
Scientists who accept evolution theory generally agree that genetic change is important 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 differences, the majority of scientists believe that evolution is real and that the evidence in support of this is overwhelming.
What evidence do we have to support evolution?
In the decades since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence that supports his theory of evolution. Some 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 main proof of evolution can be found in the evolutionary tree, which shows how different species are connected. Another way to prove it is homologous structures, which have a similar structure in different species, but serve different purposes like the wings of bats and birds. Evolution is evident in that different species adapt and grow to similar environments. For example, arctic foxes and ptarmigans grow seasonal white pelts to blend in with snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolutionary, which suggests that the species had common ancestors.
Another piece of evidence is the existence of vestigial structures. These are unused organs that could serve a purpose in the distant ancestors. For example the human appendix may be 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 experimenting. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six distinct categories: changes that can be observed at a small scale biogeographic distributions and comparative anatomies fossil records and genetics. Each of these categories offers solid evidence for the evolution of life.
While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution It is an empirical fact. It isn't only a theory, it is a potent collection of decades of research and observation that has been proven and tested. Whatever people believe or deny about the theory of evolution, scientists continue to study and collect new data to better comprehend the evolution of life on Earth. This information will aid scientists better understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and how to best use the resources of our planet. This information will also allow us to better serve the needs and wants of the people living on our planet.