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The Evolution Site The theory of evolution through natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. It ties together disciplines such as genetics, microbiology and the study of palaeontology. The study of evolution can be controversial and the misinformation that comes from it can cause confusion about the fundamentals of evolution. This site clarifies essential concepts. What is Evolution? The modern understanding of evolution focuses on the gradual, cumulative changes that occur within populations over time. These changes are a result of natural selection, which increases the number of organisms who have traits that are beneficial and help them survive and reproduce in a particular environment. The organisms that have these traits produce more offspring because of the positive characteristics. This can lead to a genetic mutation which could eventually lead to new species. The term “evolution”, is often associated with “survival-of-the fittest” which implies that people who are more adapted to certain environmental conditions will have a distinct advantage over those who are less well-adapted. However this is just one of the many ways that evolution could occur. Another way to use the term “evolution” is to suggest that species are able to move from one stage 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 view. The evolutionary theory that scientists have developed change focuses instead on the changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result mutations which result in natural selection and genetic variation. Certain scientists, including the great Charles Darwin, advocated this view of evolution. Others, including Alfred Russel Wallace, who came up with the macroevolution theory, believed that this was the only way that the higher forms of life could be derived from lower ones. A theory must stand up to rigorous tests and evidence to be considered as a theory. Evolution has stood the test of time, and has been proven to be valid in numerous scientific disciplines ranging from geology to biology from astronomy to chemistry. Evolution is a fundamental concept in science and is supported by the majority of scientists around the world. Many people are misinformed about the nature of evolution theory particularly how it is connected with religion. What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)? Evolution is a scientific explanation of how living things change with time. It is based on few well-established facts: that many more offspring are created than can survive, that individuals differ in their physical characteristics and that they can transmit traits to future generations. These observations are supported by the growing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, functional morphology, climatology and geology. The theory of evolution through natural selection was initially conceived by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the late 19th century as an explanation for why organisms are adapted to their physical and biological environment. It is the most widely accepted and tested theory in science. Its predictions have been proved out by the fact that, for instance, more complex organisms are more likely to have less genetic mutations than simpler ones. In addition the more successful an organism is at being able to reproduce and survive in its ability to reproduce, the more likely it will be to pass its genes to future generations. Some people are against evolution because they believe that it implies that there is no reason to life. However, many scientists who are also religious believers like the famous Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not only compatible with faith in God but is enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014). In reality, a large number of highly trained evolutionary biologists, including a few who are revered evangelical Christian leaders are involved in the development and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these scientists contributed to the understanding a vast array of phenomena, such as genomics and phylogenetics, and also the formation and function of fossils. The word “theory” is often used incorrectly to mean a speculation or guess but in reality it is a scientific hypothesis that has been systematically tested and refined over time. Scientists test hypotheses through repeating the experiments or observations that led them to them. So the theory of evolution 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 the gradual change over time in the proportion of genetically distinct individuals within a certain species. This change is the result of natural selection of individuals that are more well-adapted to their environment. The better-adapted individuals have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. As more people survive and reproduce, their genes are more common in the general population. This is often called “survival of the most fittest.” According to evolution theory, mutations that lead to genomic variation are what drives evolution. These mutations can 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 which causes the allele to be spread across the population. The changes in frequency of alleles can result in new species in the course of time. The new species may continue to evolve and become newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The formation of new species is typically a result of changes in the environment, which makes certain resources available or creates new environmental challenges. For instance, the rise of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of different foods and the need to defend themselves from predators. In a wider sense it is possible to define evolution as any change in the nature of living organisms over time. The change could be minor like the development of a new coloration, or even massive, like the creation of a new organ. Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally agree on the significance of genetic change in the process that causes evolution. They also agree that the process of evolution happens over a long period of time, usually millions of years. However, they differ on the role of various factors that speed up or slow down the process, including the influence of environmental pressures sexual selection, and mutation bias. Despite these differences scientists believe that evolution is happening and the evidence to prove this is overwhelming. What is the Evidence of Evolution? Throughout the years since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence that supports Darwin's theory of evolution. This evidence is gathered from fossils which show the evolution of living organisms over time. Another evidence comes from similarities between living organisms embryology, biogeography genetics and comparative anatomy. The primary evidence of evolution is in the evolutionary tree, which illustrates how different species are connected. Another source of evidence is homologous structures, which share a similar structures in different species but serve different purposes like the wings of bats and birds. The fact that different species evolve and adapt to a similar environment is also a sign of evolution. For instance, arctic foxes and ptarmigans grow white fur coats that blend into snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolution, which suggests that the species have common ancestral ancestors. Another evidence point is the existence of vestigial structures. These are unused parts of an organism that could serve a purpose in the distant ancestor. The human appendix, for instance is an odour from an organ that was used to digest food. Natural selection causes the structures to shrink when they are no longer used. Scientists have also collected evidence for evolution by observing and experimenting. The evidence for evolution is grouped into six categories: directly visible small-scale changes, biogeographic patterns 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. evolutionkr is not a theory but rather a powerful collection founded on decades of observation. No matter what people believe or disbelieve about the theory of evolution scientists continue to research and collect new data in order to further comprehend the evolution of life on Earth. This information will help scientists understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and how to best utilize the resources of our planet. This information will also allow us to better serve the needs and wants of the people who live on our planet.