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The Evolution Site The concept of natural selection as the foundation of evolution is the defining factor in modern biology. It brings together disciplines like microbiology, palaeontology, and genetics. The study of evolution may be controversial, and the misinformation that is generated can cause confusion about its fundamentals. This Web site helps clarify essential concepts. What is Evolution? The current conception of evolution focuses on the gradual, cumulative changes that occur within populations over time. These changes are the result of natural selection, a process that increases the amount of organisms that possess beneficial traits that enable them to live and reproduce in a particular environment. The organisms that have these traits produce more offspring as a result of the positive characteristics. This causes a genetic change that can eventually lead to the development of new species. The term “evolution” is often associated with “survival-of-the most fittest” which implies that individuals who are more adjusted to certain conditions will have an advantage over those who are less well-adapted. This is only one of the many ways in which evolution can occur. Another way of using the term “evolution” is to suggest that a species can change from one state to the next. This view of evolution is called anagenetic or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution that scientists have developed is not in agreement with this view. The scientific theory of evolutionary change focuses instead on the changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result of mutations that produce natural selection and genomic variation. Some scientists, such as the great Charles Darwin, advocated this theory of evolution. Others, including Alfred Russel Wallace, who created the macroevolution theory and believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could be derived from lower forms. A theory must stand against rigorous tests and evidence in order to be considered a theory. The evidence for evolution has stood the test of time and has been backed by numerous studies in a wide range of sciences, from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. In reality evolution is regarded as one of the fundamental tenets of science today, and is supported by the majority of scientists across the globe. Many people are misinformed about the nature of the evolution theory and how it connects with religion. What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)? Evolution is the scientific explanation for how living things change over time. It is based on a range of well-established observations such as the fact that more offspring are produced than can possibly survive in the long run; that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype); that different characteristics result in different rates of reproduction and survival and can be passed down to the next generation. 에볼루션 무료체험 are supported by the increasing amount of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, functional morphology, climatology, and geology. The theory of evolution by natural selection was initially conceived by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the mid-19th century to explain how organisms adapt to their physical and biological environment. It is currently the most well-supported and most widely tested theory in all of science. Its theories have been proven out by the fact that, for example complex organisms are more likely to have less genetic mutations than simpler ones. Additionally the more efficient an organism is in reproduction and survival, the more likely it will be to pass on its genes to future generations. Some people object to evolution because they believe that it implies that there is no purpose to life. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious believers like the famous Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not just compatible with belief in God but is enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014). Many highly skilled evolutionary biologists have been involved in the development and testing the theory of evolution, which includes some respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these scientists 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 to refer to a speculation or guess but in reality it refers to a scientific idea that has been systematically evaluated and refined over time. Scientists test hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that led them to the conclusion. Thus the theory of evolutionary theory has been repeatedly proven, along with 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 proportion of genetically distinct individuals within a particular species. This change is a result of natural selection of individuals that are more well-adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have a better chance of survival and reproduction. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce, their genes become more common within the population. This is often referred to as “survival of the most fittest.” According to the theory of evolution the mutations that result in genomic variation are the primary material of evolutionary change. These mutations can occur at random or under the influence of the environment. When mutations are random the resulting allele frequencies may differ from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it will increase the frequency of alleles which causes the allele to be spread across the population. The changes in frequency of alleles can result in new species over time. The new species may continue to evolve and become newer forms. This process is called macroevolution. The formation of a new species is usually caused by changes in the environment that make certain kinds of resources available or create new environmental challenges. The evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example, is due to the availability of new foods and the need to defend themselves against predators. In a larger sense the term “evolution” can be described as any change in the nature of living organisms over time. The change could be subtle, like the development of new colors or a dramatic change, such as the formation of an organ. Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally recognize the importance of genetic changes in the process of generating evolution. They also believe that evolution is a process that takes place over time, usually over millions of years. They differ on the importance of different factors that may speed up or slow down this process. For example the role played by sexual selection, environmental pressures, and mutation bias. Despite these differences scientists believe that evolution is happening and the evidence to prove this is overwhelming. What evidence do we have to support evolution? Since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence to back his theory of evolution. Some of this evidence comes from fossils which reveal the changing traits of living organisms over time. Similarities between living and non-living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography, and genetics are also evidence. The most important proof of evolution can be found in the evolutionary tree, which illustrates how different species are related. Another way to prove it is homologous structures, which share a similar structures in different species but perform distinct functions like the wings of bats and birds. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to a similar environment is also evidence of evolution. For instance, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans sport white seasonal pelts that blend in with the snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolution that suggests that the species had common ancestors. Another evidence point is vestigial structures, which are unused organs that may have served a function in the distant ancestor. The human appendix for instance is an odour from an organ that was used to digest food. Natural selection causes these structures to shrink as they cease to be used. 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 small scale, biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomy, the fossil record and genetics. Each of these provides compelling evidence that the evolution of life has occurred. Although many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, it is a scientific fact. It is not simply a flimsy theory. It is a potent collection of decades of observations and data that has been tested and proven. Scientists continue to collect and study new information to better understand the arc of Earth's existence regardless of whether or not people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will aid scientists understand how to prevent future catastrophes on the planet and how to best use the resources of our planet. This information will also help us better serve the needs and desires of the people living on our planet.