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The Evolution Site The theory of evolution through natural selection is the defining force 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 resulting misinformation can confuse people about the fundamentals of evolution. This site explains the fundamental concepts. What is Evolution? Modern evolutionary theory focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are caused by natural selection, a process that increases the amount of organisms that possess beneficial traits that allow them to survive and reproduce in a particular environment. As a result, these organisms leave more offspring than those that do not have the beneficial characteristics. This leads to an alteration in genetics that could eventually lead to the formation of new species. The term “evolution” is usually associated with “survival-of-the fittest” which implies that people who are more adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have an advantage over those less well-adapted. This is just one of many ways that evolution can happen. Another way that the word evolution is used is to suggest that a species will inevitably progress from one state of being to the next one. This type of view of evolution could be described as anagenetic or cladogenesis. This is not backed by the scientific definition of evolution. The scientific theory of evolutionary changes focuses on the changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result mutations that result from natural selection and genetic variation. Some scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this view of evolution. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed this was the only way in which the higher living forms could have evolved. A theory must stand against rigorous tests and evidence in order to be considered as a theory. Evolution has stood the test of time and has been supported in numerous scientific disciplines ranging from geology to biology, from astronomy to chemistry. In fact evolution is considered to be one of the foundations of science today and is supported by the vast majority of scientists worldwide. Many people are confused about the nature of evolution theory, especially how it relates with religion. What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)? Evolution is an explanation in science of how living things change with time. It is based on few well-established facts: that many more offspring are produced than can be surviving, that individuals differ in their physical characteristics and that they are able to pass on traits to the next generation. These findings are backed by a growing amount of evidence derived from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional morphology geology. Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution by selection in the middle of the 19th century as a reason why organisms adapt to their physical and biologic environments. It is the most widely supported and tested theory in science. Its predictions were proved by the fact that for instance, more complex organisms are less susceptible to genetic mutations. In addition, the more successful an organism is at being able to reproduce and survive, the more likely it will be to pass on its genes to the next generation. Some people are against evolution based on the belief that it implies that there is no reason to life. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious such as the renowned Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution isn't just compatible with belief in God but can be 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 them have contributed to the understanding of a wide range of phenomena, like phylogenetics, genomics, and the development and function of fossils. The term “theory” that is often used incorrectly, refers to a scientific hypotheses that have been tested and refined over a period of time. Scientists test hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that led them to the conclusion. So the theory of evolutionary theory has been repeatedly confirmed, 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 percentage of genetically distinct individuals within a certain 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 people survive and reproduce, their genes become more common in the general population. This process is sometimes described as “survival of the fittest.” According to theories of evolution the causes of mutations that result in genetic variation are the primary reason for evolution. These mutations could occur at random, or under the influence of the environment. When mutations occur at random, the allele frequencies can 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. Changes in the frequency of alleles could lead to new species in the course of time. The new species can then continue to evolve and become newer forms. This process is known as macroevolution. The formation of an entirely new species is typically due to changes in the environment that make certain kinds of resources available or create new environmental problems. For instance, the rise of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of different foods and the need to protect themselves from predators. In visit this link is any change that occurs in the nature of organisms over the course of time. The change could be subtle, such as the development of new colors or dramatic, like the development of an organ. Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally agree on the importance of genetic changes in the process of generating evolution. They also agree that evolution is a process that occurs over time, typically over a period of millions of years. They differ on the importance of different factors that can accelerate or slow down this process. For instance the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these differences most scientists still believe that evolution is real and the evidence to support this is overwhelming. What evidence do we have to support evolution? In the decades since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence to support Darwin's theory of evolution. A portion of this evidence comes from fossils, which demonstrate the changing features of living organisms over time. Another evidence comes from similarities among living organisms embryology, biogeography genetics and comparative anatomy. The evolutionary tree is the best method to prove the existence of evolution. It demonstrates how species are closely related. Another evidence source is homologous structures, which share a similar structure in different species but have distinct functions such as the wings of birds and bats. Evolution is also evident in the fact that various species adapt and evolve to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and ptarmigans develop seasonal white pelts to blend in with snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolutionary mechanism, which suggests that the species share ancestors. Another piece of evidence is the existence of vestige structures, which are unutilized organs that could serve a purpose in the distant ancestor. The human appendix, for instance is a remnant of an organ that was used to digest food. Natural selection is a process that causes the structures to shrink when they are no longer used. Scientists have also collected evidence for evolution through observation and testing. The evidence for evolution is divided into six categories: directly observed small-scale changes in biogeographic distribution and comparative anatomy, the fossil record, classification and genetics. Each of these categories offers solid evidence for the evolution of life. While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution it is a scientific fact. It is not a theory but a powerful collection of evidence built on decades of observation. Whatever people believe or don't believe about the theory of evolution scientists continue to research and discover new information in order to further comprehend the evolution of life on Earth. 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 wants of all the people living on our planet.