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The Evolution Site The theory of evolution based on natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It connects disciplines like genetics, palaeontology and microbiology. However, the study of evolution is often controversial, and the resulting misinformation can confuse people regarding the fundamentals of evolution. This website helps to to clarify the fundamental concepts. What is Evolution? Modern evolutionary theory focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that take place in populations over time. These changes are the result of natural selection. This is a process which increases the number organisms with beneficial traits, which help them to thrive and reproduce in particular environments. They produce more offspring because of their positive characteristics. This causes a genetic change that can eventually lead to the creation of new species. The term “evolution” is frequently associated with the idea of “survival of the fittest,” which implies that those individuals who are best adapted to a specific environment will be more successful than those who aren't adapted to the environment. However it is only one of the many different ways that evolution could occur. Another common way the word evolution is used is to suggest that a species will invariably change from one state of being to the next one. This theory of evolution is called anagenetic or cladogenesis. The scientific definition of evolution does not support this idea. The theory of evolution that is based on science change focuses instead on the changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result mutations that result from natural selection and genetic variation. Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this idea. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed that this was the only way that higher forms of living could have evolved. To be able to be referred to as a theory, it has to be able to stand up to rigorous tests and evidence. The evidence for evolution has stood up to the test of time and has been supported by countless studies in many scientific disciplines, from biology to geology to chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is a fundamental concept in science and is supported by a majority of scientists around the globe. Many people are confused about the nature of the evolution theory and how it connects with religion. What is the Theory of Evolution? Evolution is an explanation in science of the way living things change over time. It is based on a variety of well-established and observable facts such as the fact that more offspring are produced than can possibly survive; that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that distinct traits have different rates of reproduction and survival and can be passed on to the next generation. These observations are supported by a growing amount of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional geology and morphology. The theory of evolution through natural selection was conceived independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the mid-19th century to provide an explanation for the reason that organisms are adapted to their physical and biological environment. It is the most widely accepted and tested theory in science. Its predictions were proven by the evidence that, for instance, more complex organisms have less genetic mutations. Additionally, the more successful an organism is at being able to reproduce and survive in its ability to reproduce, the more likely it is to pass on its genes to the next generation. Some people are against evolution because they believe it implies that there is no purpose to life. Many scientists who are religious such as the Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014), believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and even enhanced by it. Many highly qualified evolutionary biologists have been involved in developing and testing the theory of evolution, including several highly respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these scientists have contributed to the understanding of a wide range of phenomena, like phylogenetics, genomics, and the development and purpose of fossils. evolutionkr “ is sometimes used to refer to a speculation or guess, when in fact it refers to a scientific idea that has been systematically developed and tested over time. Scientists test their theories by repeating the experiments or observations that resulted in them. Therefore, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly borne out as have the corresponding theories of Copernican, atomic and germ theory. What is the Process of Evolution? The process of evolution is a gradual change in the genetic makeup of different individuals within a species over time. This is the result of the natural selection of individuals who are better adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adapted have better chances of reproduction and survival. As more people live and reproduce, their genes are more common within the population. This is often described as “survival of the strongest.” According to theories of evolution, mutations that lead to genomic variation are what triggers evolution. These mutations may occur randomly or be affected by the environment. When mutations are random the frequencies of the resulting alleles may differ from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial, it can increase the frequency of the allele, causing the allele to be spread across the population. Changes in the frequency of alleles could lead to new species over time. The new species can then continue to evolve and become newer forms. This is a process called macroevolution. The creation of new species is typically a result of changes in the environment, that make certain resources accessible or creates new environmental challenges. For example, the evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of different food sources and the need to defend themselves from predators. In a wider sense the term “evolution” can be described as any change in the characteristics of living organisms over time. The change could be subtle, such as the development of a new color or dramatic, like the formation of an organ. Scientists who accept evolution theory generally agree that genetic change is crucial in the process of generating evolution. They also acknowledge that evolution is a process that takes place over time, usually over a period of millions of years. They differ on the importance of different factors that could speed up or slow down the process. For instance the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures, and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists believe that evolution has happened and that evidence for this is overwhelming. What is the evidence for evolution? In the decades since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence to support his theory of evolution. Some of this evidence is derived from fossils which demonstrate the changing features 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 best way to prove evolution. It demonstrates how species are closely related. Another way to prove it is homologous structures, which share a similar structures in different species but serve different purposes such as the wings of birds and bats. Evolution is also evident in the fact that different species adapt and grow to similar environments. For instance, arctic foxes and Ptarmigans have white fur coats which blend with snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolutionary mechanism, which suggests the species shared ancestors. Another piece of evidence is vestigial structures, which are unused parts of an organism that could serve a purpose in the distant ancestors. For instance the human appendix is a vestige of a once-used organ that served to digest food. Natural selection is a process that causes these structures to shrink as they are no longer used. Scientists have also gathered additional evidence for evolution through observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six distinct categories: changes that can be observed at small scales biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomy fossil records and genetics. Each of these provides convincing evidence that evolution of life has occurred. While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution, it is an established fact. It is not just a theory; it is a potent collection of decades of observation and accumulated data that has been tested and proven. Regardless of what people believe or disbelieve about the theory of evolution, scientists continue to study and discover new information in order to further understand the history of life on Earth. This information will aid scientists understand how to prevent future catastrophes on the planet and how to best use the resources on our planet. It will also enable us to better serve the needs of the people living on the planet.