Evolution KR Site
The concept of natural selection as the foundation of evolution is the defining factor in the current biology. It ties together disciplines such as genetics, microbiology and the study of palaeontology.
The study of evolution may be controversial and the misinformation that comes from it can cause confusion about its basic concepts. This site explains the fundamental concepts.
What is Evolution?
The current understanding of evolution focuses on the gradual change that occurs within populations over time. These changes are the result of natural selection. This is a process which increases the number organisms with beneficial traits, which enable them to thrive and reproduce in certain environments. These organisms produce more offspring as a result of the beneficial traits. This could lead to a genetic mutation that could eventually result in new species.
The term "evolution" is frequently associated with the idea of "survival of the strongest," which means that individuals who are best adapted to a particular environment will have an advantage over those who aren't adapted to the environment. This is just one of many ways that evolution could happen.
Another popular way in which the term "evolution" is used is to suggest that a species will eventually change from one state to the next state of being. This type of view of evolution could be referred to as anagenetic, or cladogenesis. This is not backed by the definition of evolution that is scientifically accepted. The evolutionary theory that scientists have developed changes focuses on the changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result mutations that result from natural selection and genomic variation.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this idea. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed this was only way the higher living forms could have evolved.
To be able to be referred to as a theory, it must be capable of surviving rigorous testing and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time, and has been proven to be valid in numerous scientific disciplines ranging from biology to geology, from astronomy to chemistry. In actual fact, evolution is accepted as one of the fundamental tenets of science today and is backed by the vast majority of scientists across the globe. However, many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, and particularly how it is related to religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution?
Evolution is an explanation for the way living things change over time. It is based on a range of well-established and observable facts that show that more offspring are created than are likely to survive; that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that various traits have different rates of survival and reproduction and reproduction; and that these traits can be passed down to the next generation. These observations are supported by the increasing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology functional morphology, climatology and geology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution based on selection in the mid-19th Century as a reason why organisms are able to adapt to their physical and biologic environments. It is the most widely supported and validated theory in science. Its predictions were proven by the evidence, for example that more complex organisms have less genetic mutations. Additionally, the more successful an organism is in surviving and reproducing, the more likely it will be to pass on its genes to the next generation.
Some people object to evolution because they believe that it implies that there is no meaning to life. Many scientists who are religious like Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014), believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and even enhanced by it.
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 have contributed to the understanding of a wide variety of phenomena like phylogenetics, genomics and the formation and purpose of fossils.
The term "theory", which is often used incorrectly is a reference to a scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over a long period of time. Scientists test hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that led them to the conclusion. Therefore, the theory of evolutionary theory has been repeatedly confirmed, as have the corresponding 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 change in the genetically different individuals within a species over time. This is the result of natural selection, which favors individuals who are better adapted to their environment. The better-adapted individuals have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce their genes become more common within the population. This process is sometimes called "survival for the strongest."
According to the theory of evolution the causes of mutations that result in genomic variation are what triggers evolution. These mutations could occur randomly or be influenced by the environment. When mutations are random the resulting allele frequencies may vary from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it will increase the allele frequency which causes the allele to be spread across the population.
As time passes, these changes in the frequencies of alleles can result in the creation of new species. The new species may continue to evolve and become newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The creation of new species is usually due to changes in the environment which makes certain resources available or creates new environmental issues. For example, the evolution of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of various food sources and the need protect themselves from predators.
In a broader sense it is any change that takes place in the characteristics of organisms over time. The change could be subtle, like the development of a new color or a dramatic change, such as the development of an organ.
Scientists who believe in evolution theory generally agree that genetic changes are crucial in the process of generating evolution. They also acknowledge that evolution is a process that takes place over time, typically over millions of years. They differ on the importance of various factors that can accelerate or slow down this process. For example the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures, and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists believe that evolution has happened and that the evidence for this is overwhelming.
What is the evidence for evolution?
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 organisms through time. Additional evidence can be found in similarities among living organisms embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.
The evolutionary tree is the most effective method of proving evolution. It demonstrates 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 bat or bird. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to the same environment is also evidence of evolution. For instance, arctic foxes and ptarmigans develop seasonal white pelts that blend in with snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolution that suggests that the species had common ancestors.
The vestiges of structures are another source of evidence. They are the remains of an organism which may have served a purpose in the distant past. The human appendix for instance is an odour from an organ that once used to digest food. Natural selection causes these structures to shrink as they are no longer utilized.
Scientists have also collected evidence of evolution through observation and experimenting. Evidence for evolution is grouped into six categories: directly observable small-scale changes in biogeographic distribution as well as comparative anatomy, fossil record, classification and genetics. Each of these provides compelling evidence that the evolution of life took place.
Many people have misconceptions regarding the theory of evolution. However, it is an established fact. It is not a theory but rather a powerful collection of evidence built on decades of observation. Scientists continue to collect and study new information to better understand the arc of the Earth's life regardless of whether or not people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will help scientists to understand how to avoid future global catastrophes and also how to best use the resources of our planet. This information will also help us better serve the needs and desires of all the people living on this planet.