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The Evolution Site The concept of natural selection as the basis of evolution is the defining factor in the field of modern biology. It connects disciplines that are as diverse as genetics microbiology, and Palaeontology. However the study of evolution is often controversial and the resultant misinformation can confuse people regarding its fundamentals. This site clarifies essential concepts. What is Evolution? Modern evolutionary theory is based on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen in populations over time. These changes are a result of natural selection, which increases the amount of organisms that possess beneficial traits that allow them to survive and reproduce in a particular environment. The organisms that have these traits produce more offspring because of their positive characteristics. This could result in a genetic mutation which could eventually result in new species. The term “evolution” is often ascribed to the notion of “survival of the fittest” which implies that those people who are most well-adapted to a particular set of environmental conditions will have an advantage over those who aren't well-adapted. In reality, this is only one of the many different ways that evolution could occur. Another popular way to use the term “evolution” is to suggest that species can change from one state to the next. This view of evolution is called anagenetic or cladogenesis. This view is not supported by the definition of evolution in science. Instead the theory of evolution that is scientifically based focuses on changes that happen within populations over time and these changes are caused by mutations that produce genomic variation and natural selection. Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this theory. Others, such as Alfred Russel Wallace, who developed the theory of macroevolution and believed that this was the only way that the higher forms of life could be derived from lower forms. To be able to be considered a theory, it must be capable of surviving rigorous testing and evidence. The evidence for evolution has stood the test of time and has been supported by countless studies in various sciences, from geology to biology to astronomy. In actual fact evolution is considered to be one of the cornerstones of science today, and it is supported by the vast majority of scientists across the globe. However, there are many misconceptions about the theory of evolution, and particularly how it relates to religion. What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)? Evolution is a scientific explanation of how living things change over time. It is based on few well-established facts: that many more offspring are produced than can be surviving as individuals differ in their physical characteristics and that they are able to pass on traits to the next generation. These findings are supported by the increasing amount of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology functional morphology, climatology, and geology. Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently conceived the theory of evolution based on selection in the middle of the 19th century as a reason why organisms are able to adapt to their physical and biologic environments. It is now the best-supported and widely-tested theory in all of science. Its predictions have been proved out by the fact that, for instance complex organisms tend to have less genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism becomes in terms of survival and reproducing, the more likely it will transmit its genes to future generations. Some people are against evolution because they think it implies that there is no purpose to life. Many scientists who are religious believers like Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014), believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and even enhanced by it. Many highly qualified evolutionary biologists have been involved in constructing and testing the theory of evolution, including several highly respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of them have contributed to the understanding of a wide range of phenomena, such as phylogenetics, genomics, and the development and purpose of fossils. The word “theory” which is often misused is a reference to a scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over time. Scientists test hypotheses through repeating the experiments or observations that led them to the conclusion. So the theory of evolution theory has been repeatedly proven, as well as the related theories of Copernican theory, atomic theory, and germ theory. What is the Process of Evolution? The process of evolution is the gradual shift over time in the percentage of genetically distinct individuals within a specific species. This change is a result of natural selection, which favors those who are better adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adaptable have a better chance of survival and reproduction. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce their genes are more prevalent within the population. This is sometimes referred to as “survival of the strongest.” According to the theory of evolution the mutations that cause genomic variation are the raw material for evolution. These mutations could occur at random or under the influence of the environment. When mutations occur at random and the frequencies of alleles will vary from generation to generation. In contrast, when a mutation is beneficial, it will increase the frequency of the allele, causing it to spread through the population. As time passes, these changes in allele frequencies could result in the creation of new species. The new species will develop and evolve into new forms. This is a process known as macroevolution. The creation of an entirely new species is typically due to changes in the environment that allow certain kinds of resources to become available or create new environmental problems. For instance, the rise of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the abundance of food sources and the need to defend themselves from predators. In a broader sense the term “evolution” refers to any change that occurs in the nature of living organisms over time. The change could be small, such as the development of a new coloration, or even massive, like the creation of a new organ. Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally believe that genetic change is crucial in the process of generating evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution occurs over a lengthy period of time, typically millions of years. They differ on the importance of various factors that could speed up or slow down this process. For example the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite 에볼루션 무료체험 believe that evolution has happened and that the evidence for this is overwhelming. What evidence can be found for evolution? Since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence to support Darwin's theory of evolution. The evidence comes from fossils which show the evolution of living organisms over time. Additional evidence can be found in the similarities between living organisms embryology, biogeography genetics and comparative anatomy. The evolutionary tree is the best method to prove the existence of evolution. It shows how species are closely related. Homologous structures are another source of evidence. They have a similar structure but serve different purposes in different species, for instance, the wings of a bird or bat. Evolution is evident in the way that various species adapt and evolve to similar environments. For example, arctic foxes and ptarmigans grow seasonal white pelts to blend in with snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolutionary mechanism, which suggests that the species have shared ancestors. Another piece of evidence is the existence of vestige structures, which are unutilized organs that could serve a purpose in the distant ancestor. For example the human appendix is a vestige of a once-used organ used to digest food. Natural selection causes the structures to shrink when they cease to be used. Scientists have also collected evidence for evolution by observing and experimenting. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six different categories: directly observable changes at a smaller scale biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomies, the fossil record and genetics. Each of these categories provides solid evidence for the evolution of life. Many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution. However, it is a fact. It isn't simply a flimsy theory. It is a powerful collection of years of observations and data that has been proven and tested. Whatever people believe or don't believe about the theory of evolution scientists continue to research and gather new information to better understand the history of life on Earth. This information will help scientists to better understand how to avoid future global catastrophes and how to best utilize the resources on our planet. It will also allow us to better meet the needs of the people living on this planet.