The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution based on natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It brings together disciplines such as microbiology, palaeontology, genetics and palaeontology.
However, the study of evolution is often controversial and the resulting misinformation can confuse people regarding its basic concepts. This website helps to clarify essential concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory is based 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 with beneficial traits, which help them to live and reproduce in specific environments. The organisms that have these traits produce more offspring because of the beneficial characteristics. This leads to an alteration in genetics that could eventually lead to the creation of new species.
The term "evolution" is usually associated with "survival-of-the most fittest" which means that those who are better adjusted to certain conditions will have an advantage over those who are less well-adapted. In reality it is only one of the many different ways that evolution can occur.
Another common way the word evolution is used is to suggest that a species will inevitably move from one state of being to the next state of being. This view of evolution is referred to as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This is not backed by the scientific definition of evolution. Instead, the theory of evolution that is scientifically based focuses on changes that occur in populations over time and these changes are the result of mutations that produce genomic variation and natural selection.
Some scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this theory of evolution. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed that this was only way the higher forms of living could have evolved.
A theory must stand up to rigorous tests and evidence in order to be considered a theory. Evolution has stood the test of time, and has been backed by numerous scientific disciplines ranging from geology to biology the sciences of astronomy to chemistry. Evolution is a cornerstone of science and is believed by a majority of scientists around the world. 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 a scientific explanation of how living things change over time. It is based on few known facts: that more offspring are created than can be surviving, that individuals differ in their physical traits and they can transmit traits to future generations. These observations are supported by the increasing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, climatology, functional morphology and geology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution through selection in the mid-19th Century as a way to explain how organisms are able to adapt to their biological and physical environments. It is the most well-supported and validated theory in science. Its predictions were confirmed by the fact, for example that more complex organisms have less genetic mutations. The more successful an organism becomes in terms of surviving and reproducing the more likely it is to transmit its genes to future generations.
Some people oppose evolution based on the belief that it implies that there is no purpose to life. Many scientists who are religious believers such as the Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014), believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and can even be enhanced by it.
Many highly skilled evolutionary biologists have been involved in constructing and testing the theory of evolution, which includes some respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these scientists have contributed to the understanding of a broad range of phenomena, such as phylogenetics, genomics and the formation and function of fossils.
The word "theory" that is often misinterpreted, refers to a scientific hypotheses that have been tested and refined over a period of 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 corresponding theories of Copernican, atomic and germ theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
Info of evolution is a gradual change in the proportions of genetically 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 people survive and reproduce their genes become more common within the population. This is sometimes referred to as "survival of the most fittest."
According to evolution theory the mutations that cause genomic variation are what triggers evolutionary change. These mutations could occur randomly or be affected by the environment. When mutations occur randomly and occur in a random manner, the frequency of the allele will vary from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it can increase the frequency of the allele and cause the allele to spread throughout the population.

As time passes, these changes in allele frequencies could result in the creation of new species. The new species will grow and evolve into new forms. This process is called macroevolution. The creation of a new species is usually due to changes in the environment which allow certain kinds of resources to become available or cause new environmental challenges. For instance, the rise of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of various food sources and the need defend themselves from predators.
In a wider sense the term "evolution" can be described as any change in the nature of living organisms over time. This change can be small or even the creation of a new coloration or massive, for instance, the creation of a new organ.
Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally agree that genetic change is essential in the process of generating evolution. They also agree that the process of evolution happens over a lengthy period of time, typically millions of years. They differ on the importance of different factors that could speed up or slow down this process. For example the role played by sexual selection, environmental pressures, and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists still believe 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. click through the next webpage of this evidence comes from fossils, which reveal the changing traits of organisms through time. Similarities between living and non-living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography, and genetics are further evidence.
The evolutionary tree is the most effective way to prove evolution. It shows how species are related. Homologous structures are another source of evidence. They share a similar structure, but they perform different functions in different species, such as the wings of a bat or bird. The fact that different species develop and adapt to the same environment is also evidence of evolution. For instance, arctic foxes and ptarmigans develop white fur coats that blend into snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolutionary, which suggests that the species has common ancestral ancestors.
Another evidence point is the existence of vestigial structures. These are unused organs that may have served a purpose in the distant ancestors. For instance, the human appendix is an oblique reminder of an organ used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size when they are no longer utilized which is a process referred to as natural selection.
Scientists have also gathered other evidence for evolution through observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six categories: directly observable small-scale changes, biogeographic patterns, comparative anatomy, the fossil record, classification and genetics. Each of these categories provides compelling evidence for the evolution of life.
Many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution. However, it is an established fact. It is not a theory, but rather a powerful collection of evidence built on decades of observation. Scientists continue to collect and study new information to better understand the arc of Earth's evolution, regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will allow scientists to better understand how to avoid future catastrophes on the planet, and how to use the resources of our planet. This information will also allow us to better meet the needs and wants of the people who live on our planet.