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The Evolution Site

The theory of natural selection as the basis of evolution is the unifying force in modern biology. It combines disciplines like microbiology, palaeontology, and genetics.

However, the study of evolution is often controversial and the resultant misinformation can confuse people regarding its basic concepts. This website helps to explain the most important concepts.

What is Evolution?

The modern understanding of evolution is based on the gradual change that occurs within populations over time. These changes are the results of natural selection. This is a process that increases the number organisms with beneficial traits, which allow them to live and reproduce in particular environments.  similar site  produce more offspring because of the positive characteristics. This results in the genetic changes that can eventually lead to the creation of new species.

The term "evolution" is often ascribed to the notion of "survival of the fittest" which means that individuals who are best adapted to a specific environment will be more successful than those who aren't well-adapted. In reality, this is only one of the many different ways in which evolution can occur.

Another way to use the term "evolution" is to suggest that a species will progress from one state to the next. This type of view of evolution could be referred to as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This view is not supported by the scientific definition of evolution. The theory of evolution that is based on science change focuses instead on the changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result of mutations which result in natural selection and genomic variation.

Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who supported this view. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed that this was the only way in which the higher living forms could have evolved.

A theory must stand against rigorous tests and evidence to be considered a theory. The evidence for evolution has stood up to the test of time and has been supported by a myriad of studies across various scientific disciplines, ranging from geology to biology to astronomy. In actual fact evolution is regarded as one of the foundations of science today, and is supported by the vast majority of scientists around the world. Many people are confused about the nature of evolution theory, especially how it relates with religion.

What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?

Evolution is an explanation for how living things change with time. It is based on a variety of well-established and observable facts that show that more offspring are often created than are likely to survive in the long run; that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that distinct characteristics result in different rates of survival and reproduction; and that traits can be passed down to future generations. These observations are supported by the growing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology climatology, functional morphology and geology.

Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently conceived the theory of evolution based on selection in the mid-19th century as a way to explain how organisms are able to adapt to their physical and biological environments. It is the most widely accepted and tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions have been borne out by the fact that, for example more complex organisms tend to have less 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 future generations.

Some people object to evolution because they believe it implies that there is no meaning to life. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious like the famous Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not just compatible with faith in God but is enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).

Many highly skilled evolutionary biologists have been involved in constructing and testing the theory of evolution, including some respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these scientists have contributed to the understanding of a wide variety of phenomena, such as phylogenetics, genomics and the formation and purpose of fossils.

The term "theory" is sometimes used in a wrong sense to mean an assumption or speculation however it actually is a scientific hypothesis that has been rigorously 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, atomic and germ theory.

What is the Process of Evolution?

The process of evolution is the gradual shift over time in the proportion of genetically distinct individuals within a certain species. This change is the result of natural selection of individuals who are more adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have a greater chance of survival and reproduction. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce their genes become more common within the population. This is sometimes referred to as "survival for the strongest."

According to the theory of evolution the mutations that result in genomic variation are the primary basis for evolutionary change. These mutations can occur at random, or under the influence of the environment. When mutations occur randomly and occur in a random manner, the frequency of the allele will vary from generation to generation. However, when a mutation is beneficial, it will increase the frequency of the allele, which causes it to spread through the population.

Changes in the frequency of alleles can lead to new species as time passes. The new species can then develop further and evolve into newer forms. This is a process known as macroevolution. The development of a new species is usually caused by changes in the environment which provide certain types of resources available or cause new environmental problems. For instance, the rise 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 it is any change that occurs in the characteristics of organisms over the course of time. The change could be subtle, such as the development of a new color or a dramatic change, such as the formation of an organ.

Scientists who accept evolution theory generally agree that genetic change is important in generating evolution. They also agree that the process of evolution occurs over a lengthy period of time, often millions of years. They differ on the importance of various 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 most scientists believe that evolution is real and that the evidence to support this is overwhelming.

What is the evidence for evolution?

Since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence that supports his theory of evolution. This evidence is gathered from fossils which show the evolution of living organisms over time. Similarities between living and non-living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography and genetics are further evidence.

The evolutionary tree is the best method to prove the existence of evolution. It shows how species are related. Homologous structures are another source of evidence. They share a common structure but perform different functions in different species, for instance, the wings of a bat or bird. Evolution is also evident in the fact that different species adapt and develop to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans sport white fur coats which blend with snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolution, which suggests that the species had common ancestors.

Vestigial structures are another piece of evidence. They are the remains of an organism that may have served a purpose in the distant past. For example, the human appendix is an oblique reminder of an organ used to digest food. Natural selection is a process that causes these structures to shrink as they cease to be used.

Scientists have also collected evidence for evolution by observing and testing. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six categories: directly visible small-scale changes in biogeographic distribution, comparative anatomy, the fossil record, classification and genetics. Each of these provides convincing evidence that the evolution of life has taken place.

Many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution. However, it is an actual fact. It is not a theory, but a powerful collection that is built on years of observation. No matter what people believe or disbelieve about the theory of evolution scientists continue to study and discover new information in order to further know the story of life on Earth. This information will aid scientists understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and how to make the most of the resources on our planet. It will also allow us to better meet the needs of all the people on this planet.