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The Evolution Site The theory of evolution through natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. It brings together disciplines such as genetics, palaeontology and microbiology. The study of evolution may be controversial, and the misinformation that is generated can cause confusion about its basic concepts. This Web site helps to clarify the fundamental 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, a process that increases the amount of organisms that have beneficial traits that help them survive and reproduce in a particular environment. These organisms produce more offspring because of the positive traits. This could cause a genetic change which could eventually result in new species. The term “evolution” is usually associated with “survival-of-the best” which means that those who are better adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have an advantage over those less well-adapted. This is only one of the many ways that evolution can occur. Another popular way to use the word evolution is to suggest that species can change from one state to the next. This type of view of evolution could be referred to as anagenetic or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution in science does not support this idea. 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 genetic variation. Some scientists, such as the great Charles Darwin, advocated this theory of evolution. Others, including Alfred Russel Wallace, who developed the theory of macroevolution, believed that this was the only way that the higher forms of life could have evolved from the lower ones. A concept must be able stand up to rigorous tests and evidence to be considered as a theory. The evidence of evolution has withstood the test of time and has been backed by numerous studies in many sciences, from biology to geology to chemistry to astronomy. In reality evolution is regarded as one of the foundations of science today and is supported by the majority of scientists across the globe. However, many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, specifically how it is related to religion. What is the Theory of Evolution? Evolution is an explanation in science of how living things change with time. It is based on a few established facts: that more offspring are created 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 observations are backed up by a growing amount of evidence drawn from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional geology and morphology. Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently conceived the theory of evolution based on selection in the mid-19th century as an explanation why organisms are able to adapt to their physical and biological environments. It is the most widely accepted and tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions were confirmed by the fact that, for instance, more complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations. Additionally the more successful an organism is in being able to reproduce and survive and reproducing, the more likely it is to pass its genes to future generations. Some people are against evolution because they believe it suggests that there is no purpose for life. Many scientists who are religious, like the Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014) believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and can even be enhanced by it. In fact, a large number of highly qualified evolutionary biologists, including a few who are renowned evangelical Christian leaders, have been involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these researchers contributed to the understanding of a vast array of phenomena, such as genomics and phylogenetics, as well as the formation and function of fossils. The word “theory” that is often misused, refers to a scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over a period of time. Scientists test their hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that led to them. Therefore the theory of evolutionary theory has been repeatedly confirmed, along with the related theories of Copernican theory as well as atomic theory and germ theory. What is the Process of Evolution? The process of evolution is the gradual change over time in the ratio of genetically distinct individuals within a specific species. This change is a result of natural selection, which favors individuals who are better adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adapted have higher chances of reproducing and survival. As more people live and reproduce, their genes are more widely distributed in the general population. This is sometimes referred to as “survival for the strongest.” According to the theory of evolution the mutations that result in genetic variation are the basic material for evolution. These mutations could occur at random, or under the influence of the environment. When mutations are random, the frequencies of the resulting alleles may vary from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it can increase the frequency of the allele and cause the allele to spread throughout the population. These changes in allele frequency can lead to new species in the course of time. The new species can then continue to evolve and become newer forms. This is a process known as macroevolution. The creation of new species is usually a result of changes in the environment which make certain resources available or creates new environmental challenges. The evolution of finches in Galapagos Islands, for example, is due to the availability of new food and the necessity to defend themselves from predators. In a wider context, evolution is defined as any change that occurs in the nature of organisms over the course of time. The change could be minor like the development of a new coloration or massive, for instance, the creation of a new organ. Scientists who believe in evolution theory generally agree that genetic change is important in the process of generating evolution. They also acknowledge that evolution is a process that occurs in time, typically over a period of millions of years. see this site differ on the importance of different factors that can accelerate or slow down the process. For instance the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures, and mutation bias. Despite these differences scientists believe that evolution has occurred and that evidence for this is overwhelming. What is the Evidence of Evolution? Since Darwin's time scientists have collected evidence to support his theory of evolution. This evidence is gathered from fossils that demonstrate the evolution of living organisms over time. Similarities between living and non-living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography and genetics are also evidence. The evolutionary tree is the most effective method of proving evolution. It shows how different species are related. Homologous structures are another proof. They share a similar structure, but they perform different functions in different species, such as the wings of a bird or bat. Evolution is evident in that different species adapt and develop to similar environments. For example, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans have white fur coats that blend into the snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolutionary process, which suggests that the species share common ancestors. Vestigial structures are another piece of evidence. These are a part of an organism that may serve a function in the distant past. For instance the human appendix may be a vestige of a once-used organ that was used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size when they're no longer in use, a process known as natural selection. Scientists have also gathered other evidence of evolution via observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six categories: directly observable small-scale changes, biogeographic distribution and comparative anatomy, the fossil record, classification and genetics. Each of these provides compelling evidence that evolution of life took place. While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution it is an established 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. Scientists continue to collect and study new information to better understand the history of Earth's evolution regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will help scientists to understand how to avoid future catastrophes on the planet and how to best utilize the resources of our planet. This information will also allow us to better serve the needs and desires of the people living on this planet.