The Evolution Site<br /><br />The theory of evolution based on natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. It ties together disciplines such as genetics, microbiology, and the study of palaeontology.<br /><br /><br /><br />However the study of evolution is often controversial and the resulting misinformation can confuse people about its basic concepts. This site clarifies the most fundamental concepts.<br /><br />What is Evolution?<br /><br />Modern evolutionary theory is based on the gradual and cumulative changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result of natural selection. This is a process which increases the number organisms with beneficial traits, which help them to thrive and reproduce in particular environments. As a result, these organisms have more offspring than those who don't possess the beneficial characteristics. This causes a genetic change that can eventually lead to the formation of new species.<br /><br />The term "evolution" is frequently associated with the idea of "survival of the fittest" which implies that individuals who are best adapted to a specific environment will be more successful than those who are not well-adapted. This is only one of the many ways in which evolution can happen.<br /><br />Another popular way in which the term "evolution" is used to suggest that a species will inevitably move from one state to the next one. This type of view of evolution is known as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This view is not supported by the scientific definition of evolution. The evolutionary theory that scientists have developed change is based on changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result mutations which result in natural selection and genetic variation.<br /><br />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 living forms could have evolved.<br /><br />For a concept to be called a theory, it has to be capable of surviving rigorous tests and evidence. The evidence of evolution has withstood the test of time and has been backed by countless studies in various scientific disciplines, from biology to geology to chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is a cornerstone of science and is believed by a majority of scientists around the globe. Many people are misinformed about the nature of evolution theory and how it connects to religion.<br /><br />What is the Theory of Evolution?<br /><br />Evolution is the scientific explanation for the way living things change over time. It is based upon a few known facts: that more offspring are born than can be surviving, that individuals differ in their physical characteristics, and that they can pass on traits to future generations. These observations are supported by the increasing amount of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, functional morphology, climatology and geology.<br /><br />Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently conceived the theory of evolution through selection in the mid-19th century as an explanation why organisms adapt to their biological and physical environments. It is the most widely accepted and tested theory in science. Its predictions have been proved out by the fact that, for instance more complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism gets in terms of survival and reproducing, the more likely it is to transfer its genes to the next generation.<br /><br />Some people are against evolution because they believe it implies that there is no meaning to life. However, many scientists who are also religious believers, such as the prominent Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution isn't just compatible with faith in God but also enhances it (BioLogos 2014).<br /><br />In reality, a large number of highly trained evolutionary biologists, some of who are respected evangelical Christian leaders are involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these scientists contributed to the understanding of a wide range phenomena, including phylogenetics and genomics, and also the formation and function fossils.<br /><br />The term "theory" which is often used incorrectly 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. So, the theory of evolutionary theory has been repeatedly confirmed along with the related theories of Copernican theory, atomic theory, and germ theory.<br /><br />What is the Process of Evolution?<br /><br />The process of evolution is the gradual change over time in the proportion of genetically distinct individuals within a certain species. This is the result of natural selection, which favors those who are better adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have higher chances of reproduction and survival. As more people live and reproduce their genes become more prevalent within the population. This is sometimes described as "survival of the fittest."<br /><br />According to the theory of evolution the causes of mutations that result in genomic variation are what drives evolution. These mutations could occur at random or be influenced by the environment. When <a href="https://evolutionkr.kr/">에볼루션바카라사이트</a> are random the frequencies of the resulting alleles may vary from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial, it will increase the frequency of alleles, causing the allele to be spread across the population.<br /><br />These changes in allele frequency can result in new species over time. The new species will evolve and develop into newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The development of new species is often caused by changes in the environment, which make certain resources available or creates 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 from predators.<br /><br />In a larger sense it is possible to define evolution as any change in the characteristics of living organisms over time. The change could be small like the development of a new coloration or large, such as the formation of a new organ.<br /><br />Scientists who believe in evolution theory generally believe that genetic change is important in generating evolution. They also acknowledge that evolution is a process that takes place over time, typically over millions of years. However, they differ on the role of various factors in accelerating or retarding this process, such as the impact of environmental pressures, sexual selection and mutation bias. Despite these disagreements, most scientists believe that evolution is real and that the evidence in support of this is overwhelming.<br /><br />What evidence can be found for evolution?<br /><br />Since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence to support his theory of evolution. The evidence comes from fossils which show the evolution of living organisms over time. Similarities between living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography, and genetics are further evidence.<br /><br />The most important proof of evolution is in the evolutionary tree, which demonstrates how species are related. Another source of evidence is homologous structures, which have a similar structures in different species but serve different purposes such as the wings of bats and birds. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to a similar environment is also a sign of evolution. For example, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans sport white pelts during the winter months that blend into the snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolutionary, which suggests that the species have common ancestors.<br /><br />Vestigial structures are another piece of evidence. These are a part of an organism that may have served some purpose in the past. For instance the human appendix is remnants of an earlier organ that was used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size once they are no longer used in a process called natural selection.<br /><br />Scientists have also gathered evidence for evolution through observation and experimenting. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six distinct categories: directly observable changes at small scales biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomies fossil records, genetics. Each of these provides compelling evidence that evolution of life has occurred.<br /><br />Although many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, it is an established fact. It isn't only a theory, it is a mighty collection of decades of research and observation that has been proven and tested. Regardless of what people believe or don't believe about the theory of evolution, scientists continue to study and gather new information in order to further understand the history of life on Earth. This information will help scientists to better understand how we can avoid future catastrophes on the planet, and how to best utilize the resources on our planet. This information will also allow us to better meet the needs and wants of all the people living on this planet.<br /><br />