The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution by natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. 에볼루션 게이밍 brings together disciplines like genetics, palaeontology and microbiology.
However, the study of evolution is often controversial and the resulting misinformation can confuse people about its fundamentals. This site clarifies essential concepts.
What is Evolution?
The current conception of evolution focuses on the gradual change that occurs within populations over time. These changes are the result of natural selection. This is a process which increases the number organisms with beneficial traits, which allow them to survive and reproduce in specific environments. The organisms that have these traits produce more offspring because of their positive characteristics. This could lead to a genetic mutation that could eventually result in new species.
The term "evolution", is often associated with "survival-of-the fittest" which means that those who are more adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have a distinct advantage over those who are less well adapted. This is just one of many ways in which evolution can happen.
Another popular way in which the word evolution is used to suggest that a species will eventually move from one state of being to the next one. This view 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 the result of genetic mutations and natural selection.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this idea. Others, such as Alfred Russel Wallace, who came up with the macroevolution theory, believed that this was the only way that the higher forms of life could be derived from lower ones.
A theory must stand against rigorous tests and evidence in order to be considered as a theory. Evolution has stood the test of time and has been backed by many scientific disciplines, from biology to geology, the sciences of astronomy to chemistry. Evolution is the foundation of science and is supported by the majority of scientists across the globe. However, there are many misconceptions about the theory of evolution, specifically the relationship it has with religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is a scientific explanation of how living things change with time. It is based on a variety of well-established observations that show that more offspring are often produced than could possibly survive in the long run; that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype); that different characteristics result in different rates of survival and reproduction and can be passed down to future generations. These observations are supported by the increasing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, functional morphology, climatology and geology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution based on selection in the mid-19th Century as a reason why organisms are adapted their physical and biologic environments. It is currently the most well-supported and most widely tested theory in all of science. Its theories have been proven out by the evidence that, for instance complex organisms are more likely to have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism becomes in terms of surviving and reproducing the more likely it will transfer its genes to the next generation.
Some people are against evolution because they believe that it implies that there is no meaning to life. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious, such as the prominent Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution isn't just compatible with belief in God but is enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).
Many highly qualified evolutionary biologists have been involved in constructing and testing the theory of evolution, which includes several highly respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these scientists have contributed to the understanding of a broad variety of phenomena like phylogenetics, genomics, and the development and function of fossils.
The word "theory" which is often misused refers to scientific hypotheses that have been tested and refined over a long period of time. Scientists test their theories by repeating the experiment or observations that led to them. The theory of evolution has been repeatedly borne out as have the corresponding theories of Copernican, atomic and germ theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is the gradual change over time in the proportion of genetically distinct individuals within a particular species. This change is a result of natural selection, which favors individuals who are better adapted to their environment. The better-adapted individuals have a greater chance of survival and reproduction. As more people live and reproduce their genes are more widely distributed in the population. This process is sometimes referred to as "survival of the fittest."
According to the theory of evolution the mutations that result in genetic variation are the basic material of evolutionary change. These mutations could occur randomly or be influenced by the environment. If mutations are random, the frequencies of the resulting alleles may differ from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial it will increase the allele frequency which causes the allele to spread throughout the population.
As time passes, these changes in the frequencies of alleles can result in the creation of new species. The new species will then evolve and develop into newer 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. The evolution of finches in Galapagos Islands, for example, is due to the availability of new food and the necessity to defend themselves from predators.
In a larger sense, evolution is defined as any change that takes place in the characteristics of organisms over time. The change could be minor, such as the development of a new coloration, or massive, for instance, the creation of a new organ.
Scientists who believe in evolution theory generally believe that genetic change is important in generating evolution. They also believe that evolution is a process that takes place over time, typically over a period of millions of years. However, they differ over the role of various factors in accelerating or retarding the process, including the influence of environmental pressures sexual selection and mutation bias. Despite these differences scientists believe that evolution has occurred and the evidence to prove this is overwhelming.
What is the Evidence of Evolution?
Throughout the years since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence to support his theory of evolution. Some of this evidence comes from fossils, which demonstrate the changing features of living organisms over time. Similarities between living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography and genetics are evidence.
The main proof of evolution can be found in the evolutionary tree, which demonstrates how different species are connected. Another evidence source is homologous structures, which have similar structure in different species, but perform distinct functions such as the wings of bats and birds. Evolution is evident in that different species adapt and grow to similar environments. For instance, arctic foxes and ptarmigans develop white fur coats that blend in with snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolutionary process which suggests that the species have shared ancestral ancestors.
The vestiges of structures are another source of evidence. These are a part of an organism that could have served some purpose in the distant past. For instance the human appendix is remnants of an earlier organ that served to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size as they are no longer used, a process known as natural selection.
Scientists have also gathered evidence of evolution through observation and experimenting. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six distinct categories: directly observable changes at a smaller scale biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomies fossil records and genetics. Each of these categories offers convincing evidence for the evolution of life.
Many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution. However, it is an actual fact. It is not a speculative theory, but a significant collection of evidence founded on years of observation. Scientists continue to collect and analyze new data to better understand the arc of Earth's existence, regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will allow scientists to better understand how to avoid future global catastrophes, and how best to make use of the resources available on our planet. It will also enable us to better meet the needs of the people living on the planet.