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The theory of evolution based on natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It brings together disciplines such as genetics, palaeontology and microbiology.

The study of evolution can be controversial and the misinformation that comes from it can cause confusion about the fundamentals of evolution. This site clarifies essential concepts.

What is Evolution?

Modern evolutionary theory focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that take place in populations over time. These changes are caused by natural selection, a process that increases the number of organisms that have beneficial traits that help them survive and reproduce in a specific environment. In turn, these organisms produce more offspring than those that don't have these beneficial traits. This leads to the genetic changes that can eventually lead to the formation of new species.

The term "evolution" is often associated with "survival-of-the most fittest" which implies that people who are better adapted to certain environmental conditions will have a distinct advantage over those who are less well adapted. However this is just one of the many different ways that evolution can occur.

Another popular way in which the word evolution is used is to suggest that a species will eventually change from one state to the next state of being. This view of evolution can be described as anagenetic or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution that scientists have developed is not in agreement with this view. Instead, the scientific theory of evolution focuses on changes that occur in populations over time and these changes are the result of mutations that produce genomic variation and natural selection.

Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this view. Others, notably 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 forms.

For a concept to be considered a theory, it has to be capable of standing up to rigorous tests and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time, and has been proven to be valid in many scientific disciplines, from geology to biology, from astronomy to chemistry. In fact evolution is regarded as one of the cornerstones of science today and is supported by the vast majority of scientists across the globe. Many people have misconceptions regarding the nature of the evolution theory and how it connects to religion.

What is the Theory of Evolution?

Evolution is an explanation in science of how living things change with time. It is based on a range of well-established observable facts: that more offspring are produced than could possibly survive; that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that distinct characteristics result in different rates of reproduction and survival and can be passed down to the next generation. These observations are backed 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 by selection in the mid-19th Century as an explanation why organisms adapt to their physical and biological environments. It is the most well-supported and tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions were proved by the fact, for example that more complex organisms are less susceptible to genetic mutations. The more successful an organism is in terms of its longevity and reproducing, the more likely it will pass its genes on to the next generation.

Some people are against evolution because they believe that it implies that there is no reason to life. However, many scientists who are also religious, such as the prominent Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not only compatible with belief in God but also enhances it (BioLogos 2014).

Many highly qualified evolutionary biologists have been involved in the development and testing the theory of evolution, including several highly respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these researchers contributed to the understanding a vast array of phenomena, such as genomics and phylogenetics and also the formation and function fossils.

The word "theory" is sometimes used in a wrong sense to mean an assumption or speculation, when in fact it is a scientific hypothesis that has been rigorously tested and refined over time. Scientists test hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that led them to their conclusions. Therefore, the theory of evolutionary theory has been repeatedly proven, as well as the related theories of Copernican theory as well as atomic theory and germ theory.

What is the Process of Evolution?

The process of evolution is a gradual shift in the proportions of genetically diverse individuals within a species over time. This is the result of natural selection of those who are better adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adaptable have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. As more people live and reproduce their genes become more prevalent in the general population. This process is sometimes called "survival of the most fittest."

According to the theory of evolution the mutations that cause genomic variation are what triggers evolution. These mutations may 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. If a mutation is beneficial it will increase the allele frequency and cause the allele to spread throughout the population.

Changes in the frequency of alleles could lead to new species as time passes. The new species may continue to evolve and become newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The creation of an entirely new species is typically due to changes in the environment that provide certain types of resources available or cause new environmental problems. The development of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example, is due to the availability of new food and the necessity to defend themselves against predators.

In a wider context it is any change that occurs in the characteristics of organisms over time. The change could be subtle, like the development of new coloration or a dramatic change, such as the development of an organ.

에볼루션 바카라 무료체험  who accept the theory of evolution generally agree on the significance of genetic change in generating evolution. They also agree that evolution is a process that takes place in time, typically over millions of years. However, they differ over the role of different factors in accelerating or retarding this process, such as the impact of environmental pressures, sexual selection, and mutation bias. Despite these differences, most scientists believe that evolution has happened and the evidence to prove this is overwhelming.

What evidence can be found for evolution?

Throughout the years since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence to support his theory of evolution. A portion of this evidence comes from fossils which demonstrate the changing features of living organisms over time. Other evidence is found in the similarities between living organisms, embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.

The primary evidence of evolution is in the evolutionary tree, which demonstrates how species are related. Homologous structures are another proof. They share a common structure, but they perform different functions in different species, such as the wing of a bat or bird. Evolution is evident in the way that different species adapt and develop to similar environments. For  에볼루션 무료체험 , arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans sport white seasonal pelts that blend into the snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolutionary process, which suggests the species shared ancestors.

Another source of evidence is the existence of vestigial structures. These are unusable organs that could have served a purpose in a distant ancestor. The human appendix, for instance is a remnant of an organ that once used to digest food. Natural selection is a process that causes the structures to shrink when they cease to be used.

Scientists have also collected other evidence for evolution through observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six different categories: directly observable changes at a smaller scale biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomy, the fossil record and genetics. Each of these provides compelling evidence that evolution of life took place.

Many people have misconceptions regarding the theory of evolution. However, it is a fact. It is not a speculative theory, but a significant collection founded on years of observation. Scientists continue to collect and study new information to better understand the evolution of Earth's evolution regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This knowledge will allow scientists to better understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and how to best utilize the resources of our planet. This information will also allow us to better meet the needs and wants of the people living on this planet.