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The Evolution Site The concept of natural selection as the basis of evolution is the unifying force in the field of modern biology. It brings together disciplines like genetics, palaeontology and microbiology. However the study of evolution is often controversial, and the misinformation that results can confuse people regarding the fundamentals of evolution. This Web site helps explain the most important concepts. What is Evolution? The modern conception of evolution focuses on the gradual, cumulative changes that occur within populations over time. These changes are the results of natural selection. This is a process which increases the number of organisms with beneficial traits, which allow them to live and reproduce in particular environments. The organisms that have these traits produce more offspring as a result of the positive characteristics. This results in an alteration in genetics that could eventually lead to the formation of new species. The term “evolution” is frequently associated with the idea of “survival of the strongest,” which implies that people who are most well-adapted to a particular set of environmental conditions will be more successful than those who are not well-adapted. In actuality, this is only one of the many different ways in which evolution can occur. Another way to use the term “evolution” is to suggest that a species can change from one state to the next. This kind of view can 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 take place within populations over time and these changes are the result of genetic mutations and natural selection. Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who supported this idea. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed this was the only way in which the higher forms of living could have evolved. In order for a concept to be referred to as a theory, it must be able to stand up to rigorous tests and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time, and has been supported in countless scientific disciplines from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is a cornerstone of science and is supported by the majority of scientists across the world. However, there are many misconceptions about the nature of the theory of evolution, specifically how it relates to religion. What is the Theory of Evolution? Evolution is a scientific explanation of how living things change with time. It is based on a few well-established facts: that many more offspring are born than can survive as individuals differ in their physical characteristics and that they are able to pass on traits to future generations. These observations are backed up by a growing amount of evidence drawn from molecular biology, palaeontology climatology functional morphology geology. The theory of evolution by natural selection was initially conceived by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the mid-19th century to provide an explanation for why organisms are adapted to their biological and physical environment. It is the most well-supported and tested theory in science. Its predictions were proved by the fact, for example that more complex organisms have less genetic mutations. Additionally, the more successful an organism is in surviving and reproducing, the more likely it will be to pass on its genes to the next generation. Some people oppose evolution because they believe that it implies that there is no meaning 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. In reality, a large number of highly skilled 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 scientists have contributed to the understanding of a broad range of phenomena, such as phylogenetics, genomics, and the development and purpose of fossils. The word “theory” is often used to refer to a guess or speculation but in reality it is a scientific hypothesis that has been rigorously developed and tested over time. Scientists test hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that led them to their conclusions. The theory of evolution has been repeatedly tested out as have the corresponding theories of Copernican, germ and atomic theory. What is the Process of Evolution? The process of evolution is the gradual shift over time in the proportion of genetically distinct individuals within a certain species. This change is a result of natural selection of individuals who are more well-adapted to their environment. The individuals who are more adaptable have a better chance of survival and reproduction. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce their genes, they are more prevalent in the general population. This is often described as “survival of the strongest.” According to the theory of evolution, mutations that lead to genetic variation are the primary reason for evolution. These mutations could occur randomly or under the influence of the environment. When mutations occur at random, the allele frequencies can vary from generation-to-generation. If 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 could develop further and evolve into newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The creation of a new species is usually caused by changes in the environment that provide certain types of resources available or cause new environmental challenges. The evolution of finches in Galapagos Islands, for example is due to the availability of fresh food and the necessity to defend themselves from predators. In a broader context, evolution can be defined as any change in the character of living organisms over time. This change can be subtle, such as the development of a new color or a dramatic change, such as the development of an organ. Scientists who accept the theory of evolution generally agree on the importance of genetic changes in the process of generating evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution takes place over a long time, typically millions of years. However, they differ on the role of various factors that speed up or slow down the process, like the influence of environmental pressures sexual selection, and mutation bias. Despite these differences most scientists are still convinced that evolution is real and the evidence to prove it is overwhelming. What is the Evidence of Evolution? Throughout Evolution KR since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence that supports Darwin's theory of evolution. This evidence is gathered from fossils that demonstrate the evolution of organisms over time. Similarities between living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography, and genetics are also evidence. The evolutionary tree is the most effective way to prove evolution. It demonstrates how species are closely related. Another way to prove it is homologous structures, which have a similar structure in different species but serve different purposes such as the wings of birds and bats. Evolution is evident in that different species adapt and grow to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans wear white pelts during the winter months that blend in with the snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolutionary process which suggests that the species have shared ancestral ancestors. Vestigial structures are a different piece of evidence. These are a part of an organism which may have served some purpose in the distant past. The human appendix, for example is an odour from an organ that once used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size as they're no longer in use in a process called natural selection. Scientists have also collected evidence for evolution through observation and experimenting. The evidence for evolution can be grouped into six different categories: directly observable changes at small scales, biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomy fossil records, genetics. Each of these provides convincing evidence that the evolution of life took place. Many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution. However, it's an established fact. It is not a theory, but a significant collection of evidence built on decades of observation. No matter what people believe or don't believe about the theory of evolution scientists continue to research and discover new information to better understand the history of life on Earth. This information will help scientists understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and how to best utilize our planet's resources. This will allow us to better meet the needs of people on this planet.