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The Evolution Site The theory of evolution by natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It connects disciplines as diverse as genetics, microbiology, and the study of palaeontology. However the study of evolutionary theory is often controversial and the misinformation that results can confuse people regarding its fundamentals. This website helps to to clarify the fundamental concepts. What is Evolution? Modern evolutionary theory is based on the gradual and cumulative changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are a result of natural selection, a process that increases the number of organisms that possess beneficial traits that allow them to survive and reproduce in a particular environment. This means that these organisms produce more offspring than those who do not have the beneficial characteristics. This causes a genetic change that can eventually lead to the formation of new species. The term “evolution” is usually associated with “survival-of-the most fittest” which implies that people who are more adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have an advantage over those who are less well adapted. In reality it is only one of many ways in which evolution can occur. Another way to use the word evolution is to suggest that species can change from one state to the next. This kind of view can be described as anagenetic or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution in science is not in agreement with this view. Instead the scientific theory of evolution concentrates on the changes that take place within populations over time and these changes are caused by genetic mutations and natural selection. Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this view. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed that this was the only way that higher living forms could have evolved. A concept must be able stand against rigorous tests and evidence to be considered a theory. Evolution has stood the test of time and has been supported in numerous scientific disciplines ranging from geology to biology, the sciences of astronomy to chemistry. In reality evolution is considered to be one of the fundamental tenets of science today, and is backed by the majority of scientists around the world. However, many people have misconceptions about the nature of the theory of evolution, specifically how it relates to religion. What is the Theory of Evolution? Evolution is a scientific explanation of how living things change with time. It is based on a range of well-established observable facts that show that more offspring are created than are likely to survive; that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype); that different characteristics result in different rates of reproduction and survival and reproduction; and that these traits can be passed down to the next generation. These observations are backed 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 by selection in the mid-19th century as a reason why organisms are adapted their physical and biologic environments. It is the most well-supported and tested theory in science. Its predictions have been borne out by the evidence that, for instance, more complex organisms have less genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism is in terms of surviving and reproducing the more likely it will transfer its genes to the next generation. Some people oppose evolution because they think it implies there is no purpose for life. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious believers, such as the prominent Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not only compatible with faith in God but also enhances it (BioLogos 2014). Many highly qualified evolutionary biologists have been involved in constructing and testing the theory of evolution, which includes some respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these scientists contributed to the understanding of a wide range phenomena, including phylogenetics and genomics, as well as the formation and function of fossils. The term “theory” is sometimes used in a wrong sense to mean an assumption or speculation, when in fact it refers to a scientific idea that has been systematically evaluated and refined over time. Scientists test their hypotheses by repeating experiments or observations that led to them. Thus, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly proven out, as have the related theories of Copernican, germ theory, and atomic 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 certain species. This is the result of natural selection of individuals that are more well-adapted to their environment. The people who are more adaptable have higher chances of reproducing and survival. As more individuals survive and reproduce, their genes are more common in the population. This is sometimes referred to as “survival for the fittest.” According to the theory of evolution the mutations that cause genomic variation are the raw basis for evolutionary change. These mutations may occur at random or under the influence of the environment. When mutations occur at random, the allele frequencies will vary from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it will increase the frequency of alleles and cause the allele to be spread across the population. The changes in frequency of alleles can result in new species as time passes. The new species will then grow and evolve into new forms. This is a process known as macroevolution. The development of an entirely new species is typically due to changes in the environment which make certain kinds of resources available or create new environmental problems. The evolution of finches in Galapagos Islands, for example is due to the availability of fresh food and the necessity to defend themselves against predators. In a larger sense it is possible to define evolution as any change in the character of living organisms over time. The change could be minor, such as the development of a new coloration, or even massive, like the formation of a new organ. Scientists who believe in evolution theory generally agree that genetic changes are essential in the process of generating evolution. They also believe that evolution is a process that happens over time, usually over millions of years. They differ in 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 these differences, the majority of scientists believe that evolution has occurred and that the evidence for this is overwhelming. What is the evidence for evolution? Throughout the years since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence to support Darwin's theory of evolution. This evidence comes from fossils which show the evolution of organisms over time. 에볼루션 게이밍 between living and non-living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography and genetics are also evidence. The evolutionary tree is the best way to prove evolution. It shows how species are related. Another source of evidence is homologous structures, which share a similar structure in different species, but have distinct functions, such as the wings of bats and birds. Evolution is evident in the way that various species adapt and evolve to similar environments. For instance, arctic foxes and ptarmigans develop seasonal white pelts that blend into snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolutionary mechanism, which suggests the species shared ancestors. 에볼루션 게이밍 is vestigial structures, which are unutilized organs that may have served a purpose in the distant ancestor. The human appendix for instance is a remnant of an organ that was once used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size as they're no longer in use in a process called natural selection. Scientists have also gathered other evidence of evolution via observation and experimentation. Evidence for evolution is divided into six categories: directly observed small-scale changes in biogeographic distribution and comparative anatomy, the fossil record, genetics, and classification. Each of these categories provides solid evidence for the evolution of life. Many people have misconceptions regarding the theory of evolution. However, it's a fact. It is not a theory, but a powerful collection of evidence built on years of observation. No matter what people believe or disbelieve about the theory of evolution scientists continue to research and discover new information to better know the story of life on Earth. This knowledge will allow scientists to better understand how to avoid future global catastrophes, and how best to make use of the resources available on our planet. It will also enable us to better meet the needs of all the people on this planet.