The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution based on natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It ties together disciplines that are as diverse as genetics microbiology, and the study of palaeontology.
However the study of evolutionary theory is often controversial and the misinformation that results can confuse people about the fundamentals of evolution. This site clarifies essential concepts.
What is Evolution?
에볼루션 블랙잭 focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen in populations over time. These changes are caused by natural selection, a process that increases the number of organisms who possess beneficial traits that allow them to survive and reproduce in a specific environment. They produce more offspring because of the beneficial characteristics. This results in an alteration in genetics that could eventually lead to the formation of new species.
The term "evolution" is usually associated with "survival-of-the most fittest" which implies that people who are more adjusted to certain conditions will have an advantage over those less well adapted. In actuality this is just one of the many different ways that evolution can occur.
Another common way the term "evolution" is used is to suggest that a species will invariably move from one state of being to the next one. This type of view of evolution could be referred to as anagenetic, or cladogenesis. This theory is not supported by the scientific definition of evolution. Instead the theory of evolution that is scientifically based focuses on changes that take place 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. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed that this was only way the higher living forms could have evolved.
A theory must stand against rigorous tests and evidence to be considered as a theory. The evidence for evolution has stood the test of time and has been backed by countless studies in various scientific disciplines, ranging from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is the foundation of science and is believed by the majority of scientists around the globe. Many people are misinformed about the nature of the evolution theory, especially how it relates to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution?
Evolution is the scientific explanation of how living things change over time. It is based on a range of well-established observations that show that more offspring are often produced than can possibly survive and that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that distinct traits have different rates of reproduction and survival and reproduction; and that these traits can be passed down to the next generation. These findings are backed by a growing amount of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional geology, morphology.
The theory of evolution based on natural selection was developed independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the mid-19th century to provide an explanation for the reason that organisms are adapted to their physical and biological environment. It is the most widely supported and tested theory in science. Its theories have been proven out by the fact that, for instance, more complex organisms have less genetic mutations than simpler ones. In addition the more successful an organism is at surviving and reproducing and reproducing, the more likely it will be to pass its genes to the next generation.
Some people oppose evolution because they think it suggests that there is no reason for existence. Many scientists who are religious such as the Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014), believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and is even enhanced by it.
In reality, a large number of highly trained evolutionary biologists, including some who are respected evangelical Christian leaders have been involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these scientists have contributed to the understanding of a wide variety of phenomena, such as phylogenetics, genomics and the formation and role of fossils.
The term "theory" is sometimes used in a wrong sense to mean a speculation or guess but in reality it is a scientific hypothesis that has been thoroughly tested and refined over time. Scientists test their hypotheses by repeating the experiment or observations that led to them. Thus, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly tested out as have the corresponding theories of Copernican, germ theory, and atomic theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is the gradual shift over time in the percentage of genetically distinct individuals within a particular species. This change is a result of the natural selection of individuals that are better adapted to their environment. The people who are more adaptable have higher chances of reproduction and survival. As more individuals survive and reproduce, their genes are more common in the population. This process is sometimes described as "survival of the strongest."
According to evolution theory, mutations that lead to genomic variation are what triggers evolutionary change. These mutations could occur randomly or under the influence of the environment. When mutations occur at random and the frequencies of alleles will vary from generation to generation. When an alteration is beneficial it will increase the frequency of the allele, causing it to spread throughout the population.
Changes in the frequency of alleles can result in new species over time. The new species will then evolve and develop into newer forms. This process is known as macroevolution. The creation of an entirely new species is typically caused by changes in the environment which provide certain types of resources available or create new environmental challenges. For example, the evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands is a result of the abundance of foods and the need to defend 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 subtle, like the development of a new color or a dramatic change, such as the formation of an organ.
Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally agree on the significance of genetic change in generating evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution occurs over a lengthy period of time, usually millions of years. However, they differ over the role of different factors that speed up or slow down the process, like the role of environmental pressures, sexual selection, and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists still believe that evolution is real and the evidence to prove it is overwhelming.
What is the Evidence of Evolution?
Since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence to support Darwin's theory of evolution. A portion of this evidence is derived from fossils which reveal the changing traits of living organisms over time. Similarities between living and non-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 illustrates how different species are related. Homologous structures are another proof. They have a similar structure but serve different purposes in different species, for instance, the wings of a bird or bat. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to the same environment is also evidence of evolution. For instance, arctic-foxes and ptarmigans develop white fur coats that blend in with snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolution that suggests that the species has common ancestral ancestors.
Another piece of evidence is vestigial structures, which are unusable organs that could have served a function in the distant ancestor. For instance, the human appendix is an oblique reminder of an 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 additional evidence for evolution through observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be classified into six different categories: directly observed changes at small scales, biogeographic distributions and comparative anatomies, the fossil record and genetics. Each of these provides compelling evidence that the evolution of life took place.
Although many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, it is a scientific fact. It is not a speculative theory, but rather a powerful collection of evidence founded on decades of observation. Scientists continue to collect and study new information to better understand the arc of Earth's existence 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 also how to make the most of our planet's resources. This will allow us to better meet the needs of the people on this planet.