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The theory of evolution based on natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. It connects disciplines that are as diverse as genetics microbiology and the study of palaeontology.

The study of evolution can be controversial, and the misinformation that is generated can cause confusion about its basic concepts. This site clarifies essential concepts.

What is Evolution?

Modern evolutionary theory is based on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen in populations over time. These changes are caused by natural selection, a process that increases the amount of organisms that have beneficial traits that help them survive and reproduce in a specific environment. The organisms that have these traits produce more offspring as a result of their positive characteristics. This could result in a genetic mutation that could eventually result in 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 particular environment will be more successful than those who are not well-adapted. In reality this is just one of many ways in which evolution can occur.

Another way of using the term "evolution" is to suggest that species can change from one state to the next. This type of view of evolution could be described 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 happen in populations over time and these changes are caused by genetic mutations and natural selection.

Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who supported this view. Others, such as 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 forms.

In order for a concept to be called a theory, it must be able to stand up to rigorous testing and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time, and has been backed by countless scientific disciplines from geology to biology, chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is the foundation of science and is backed by a majority of scientists across the globe. Many people are misinformed about the nature of the theory of evolution particularly how it is connected to religion.

What is the Theory of Evolution?

Evolution is the scientific explanation of how living things change over time. It relies on a number of well-established observations such as the fact that more offspring are created than are likely to survive; that individuals differ from one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that various characteristics result in different rates of survival and reproduction; and that traits can be passed on to the next generation. These findings are backed by an increasing body of evidence drawn from molecular biology, palaeontology climatology functional morphology geology.

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 biological and physical environments. It is now the best-supported and widely-tested theory in all of science. Its theories have been proven 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, the more likely it will be to pass its genes to future generations.

Some people oppose evolution because they believe that it implies that there is no meaning to life. However, many scientists who are also religious believers, such as the prominent Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not just compatible with faith in God but is enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).

In actual fact, a significant number of highly qualified evolutionary biologists, some of who are revered evangelical Christian leaders have been involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these researchers contributed to the understanding a wide range phenomena, including genomics and phylogenetics as well as the formation and function of fossils.

The term "theory" that is often used incorrectly is a reference to a scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over time. our homepage test their hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that have led to them. Therefore, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly tested 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 shift in the genetic makeup of different individuals within a species over time. This is the result of natural selection of individuals who are better adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. As more individuals survive and reproduce their genes are more widely distributed within the population. This process is sometimes called "survival for the strongest."

According to the theory of evolution the mutations that result in genomic variation are the raw basis for evolutionary change. These mutations could occur at random or be influenced by the environment. If mutations occur in a random manner and the frequencies of alleles can vary from generation-to-generation. When an alteration is beneficial, it will increase the frequency of the allele, causing it to spread through the population.


These changes in allele frequency can result in new species in the course of time. The new species will develop and evolve into new forms. This is a process called 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. The evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example, is due to the availability of fresh food and the necessity to defend themselves against predators.

In a larger sense it is possible to define evolution as any change in the characteristics of living organisms over time. This change can be subtle, like the development of new coloration or dramatic, like the development of an 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 acknowledge that the process of evolution takes place over a long time, typically millions of years. However, they differ over the role of different factors that speed up or slow down this process, such as the role of environmental pressures, sexual selection, and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists still believe that evolution is real and that the evidence to support 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 comes from fossils that show the evolution of living organisms over time. Another evidence comes from similarities among living organisms, embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.

The evolutionary tree is the most effective way to prove evolution. It shows how different species are closely related. Another source of evidence is homologous structures, which have a similar structures in different species but serve different purposes like the wings of birds and bats. The fact that different species develop and adapt to a similar environment is another sign of evolution. For instance, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans have white pelts during the winter months which blend with snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolution that suggests that the species had common ancestors.

Another evidence point is vestigial structures, which are unusable parts of an organism that may have served a function in a distant ancestor. For instance the human appendix is a vestige of a once-used organ that was used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size when they are no longer utilized which is a process referred to as natural selection.

Scientists have also gathered other evidence for evolution through observation and experimentation. our homepage for evolution is divided into six categories: directly observable small-scale changes, biogeographic patterns, 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 significant collection that is built on years of observation. Scientists continue to gather and study new information to better understand the arc of Earth's evolution regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will help scientists understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and how to make the most of our planet's resources. It will also enable us to better serve the needs of people living on the planet.

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