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The Evolution Site The theory of evolution by natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It connects disciplines such as microbiology, palaeontology, and genetics. However, the study of evolution is often controversial and the resultant misinformation can confuse people about its basic concepts. This site clarifies essential concepts. What is Evolution? The current understanding of evolution focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen within populations over time. These changes are caused by natural selection, which increases the number of organisms who have traits that are beneficial and help them survive and reproduce in a particular environment. As a result, these organisms have more offspring than those who don't possess the beneficial traits. This causes an alteration in genetics that could eventually lead to the creation of new species. The term “evolution” is often associated with the notion of “survival of the fittest” which implies that people who are most well-adapted to a particular environment will have an advantage over those who aren't adapted to the environment. In actuality this is just one of many ways in which evolution can occur. Another popular way to use the word evolution is to suggest that species are able to move from one stage to the next. This view of evolution is known as anagenetic or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution that scientists have developed is not in agreement with this view. Instead the scientific theory of evolution is based on the changes that occur 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 this was the only way that higher forms of living could have evolved. For a concept to be called a theory, it has to be capable of surviving rigorous tests and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time and has been proven to be valid in many scientific disciplines, from biology to geology, the sciences of astronomy to chemistry. In reality evolution is regarded as one of the foundations of science today, and is supported by the vast majority of scientists around the world. However, there are many misconceptions about the nature of the theory of evolution, and particularly how it relates to religion. What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)? Evolution is the scientific explanation for how living things change over time. It is based on a variety of well-established observable facts such as the fact that more offspring are created than are likely to survive in the long run; that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that various traits have different rates of reproduction and survival and reproduction; and that these traits can be passed on to future generations. These observations are backed up by a growing amount of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology climatology functional morphology geology. Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution based on selection in the middle of the 19th century as an explanation why organisms are able to adapt to their physical and biological environments. It is now the best-supported and most widely tested theory in all of science. Its predictions have been borne out by the evidence that, for instance more complex organisms have less genetic mutations than simpler ones. In addition, the more efficient an organism is in surviving and reproducing and reproducing, the more likely it is to pass on its genes to the next generation. Some people oppose evolution because they think it implies there is no purpose to life. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious believers such as the renowned Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not just compatible with faith in God but is enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014). Many highly skilled evolutionary biologists have been involved in the development and testing the theory of evolution, including several highly respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these scientists contributed to the understanding of a wide range phenomena, including genomics and phylogenetics, and also the formation and function of fossils. The term “theory” is often used to refer to a guess or speculation however it actually is a scientific hypothesis that has been rigorously evaluated and refined over time. Scientists test their theories by repeating the experiments or observations that resulted in them. So, the theory of evolutionary theory has been repeatedly confirmed, as well as the related theories of Copernican theory, atomic theory, and germ theory. What is the Process of Evolution? The process of evolution is a gradual change in the genetically different individuals within a species over time. This is the result of natural selection, which favors those who are better adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adapted have higher chances of reproducing and survival. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce their genes, they are more prevalent in the population. This is often called “survival of the strongest.” According to the theory of evolution, the mutations that produce genetic variation are the basic basis for evolutionary change. These mutations may occur at random, or under the influence of the environment. If mutations are random, the frequency of the resultant alleles could vary from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it will increase the frequency of alleles, causing the allele to be spread across the population. The changes in frequency of alleles could lead to new species over time. The new species will grow and evolve into new forms. This is a process called macroevolution. The development of an entirely new species is typically due to changes in the environment that make certain kinds of resources available or create new environmental challenges. The evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example, is due to the availability of fresh food and the need to defend themselves against predators. In a wider context it is any change that takes place in the nature of organisms over time. The change could be subtle, such as the development of a new color or dramatic, like the development of an organ. Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally agree that genetic changes are important in generating evolution. They also believe that evolution is a process that takes place over time, usually over millions of years. click through the next webpage differ on the importance of different factors that can accelerate or slow down this process. For example the role played by sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these differences most scientists are still convinced that evolution is real and that the evidence in support of this is overwhelming. What is the Evidence of Evolution? Since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence that supports his theory of evolution. A portion of this evidence comes from fossils, which reveal the changing traits of organisms through time. Other evidence is found in similarities between living organisms embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy. The primary evidence of evolution is found in the evolutionary tree, which demonstrates how species are related. Homologous structures are another proof. They share a common structure, but they perform different functions in different species, like the wings of a bird or bat. Evolution is also evident in the fact that various species adapt and evolve to similar environments. For instance, arctic foxes and Ptarmigans have white seasonal pelts which blend with snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolution that suggests that the species had common ancestral ancestors. Vestigial structures are a different piece of evidence. They are the remains of an organism that could serve a function in the past. For instance, the human appendix is remnants of an earlier organ used to digest food. Natural selection is a process that causes these structures to shrink as they are no longer used. Scientists have also gathered evidence of evolution through observation and experimenting. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six distinct categories: directly observable changes at a small scale biogeographic distributions and comparative anatomies fossil records and genetics. Each of these provides convincing evidence that the evolution of life has taken place. Although many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, it is an established fact. It is not a theory, but a significant collection that is built on years of observation. Scientists continue to collect and analyze new data to better understand the history of the Earth's life regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will aid scientists better understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and how to best utilize our planet's resources. This information will also allow us to better meet the needs and wants of all the people living on our planet.