The Evolution Site

The theory of evolution through natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It combines disciplines like microbiology, palaeontology, and genetics.

The study of evolution can be controversial and the misinformation that is generated can cause confusion about its fundamentals. This site can help clarify essential concepts.

What is Evolution?

The current understanding of evolution is based on the gradual change that occurs 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 help them to thrive and reproduce in specific environments. In turn, these organisms leave more offspring than those who do not have the beneficial traits. This could cause a genetic change which could eventually lead to the creation of new species.

The term "evolution", is often associated with "survival-of-the most fittest" which implies that individuals who are more adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have a distinct advantage over those who are less well-adapted. This is only one of the many ways in which evolution can occur.

Another common way the word evolution is used is to suggest that a species will invariably change from one state to the next state of being. This view of evolution can be referred to as anagenetic or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution that scientists have developed does not support this idea. The evolutionary theory that scientists have developed changes focuses on the changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result of mutations that result from natural selection and genomic variation.

Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this theory. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed that this was only way the higher forms of living could have evolved.

For a concept to be referred to as a theory, it must be capable of standing up to rigorous tests and evidence. The evidence for evolution has stood up to the test of time and has been supported by numerous studies in a wide range of scientific disciplines, ranging from geology to biology to astronomy. Evolution is a cornerstone of science and is backed by a majority of scientists around the world. However, many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution, specifically the relationship it has with religion.

What is the Theory of Evolution?

Evolution is a scientific explanation of the way living things change over time. It is based on a range of well-established observations such as the fact that more offspring are often produced than can possibly survive in the long run; that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that various traits confer varying rates of reproduction and survival and can be passed down to the next generation. These observations are supported by the increasing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology, functional morphology, climatology, and geology.

Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently conceived the theory of evolution through selection in the middle of the 19th century as a way to explain how organisms are able to adapt to their physical and biologic environments. It is the most widely supported and tested theory in the field of science. Its predictions were proved by the fact that for instance, more complex organisms have less genetic mutations. In addition, the more successful an organism is at surviving and reproducing, the more likely it is to pass its genes to the next generation.

Some people oppose evolution because they believe that it implies that there is no purpose for life. Many scientists who are religious believers, like the Cambridge Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris (BioLogos, 2014) believe that evolution is compatible with faith in God and can even be enhanced by it.

Many highly qualified evolutionary biologists have been involved in developing and testing the theory of evolution, which includes several highly respected evangelical Christian leaders. Many of them have contributed to the understanding of a broad variety of phenomena, like phylogenetics, genomics and the formation and role of fossils.

The word "theory" is sometimes used incorrectly to mean an assumption or speculation, when in fact it refers to a scientific idea that has been thoroughly tested and refined over time. Scientists test their theories by repeating experiments or observations that resulted in them. The theory of evolution has been repeatedly tested out, as have the related theories of Copernican, germ theory, and atomic theory.

What is the Process of Evolution?

The process of evolution is a gradual shift in the genetic makeup of different individuals within a particular species over time. This is the result of the natural selection of individuals that are more adapted to their environment. The people who are more adaptable have higher chances of reproduction and survival. As more of these individuals survive and reproduce their genes are more prevalent within the population. This process is sometimes called "survival for the strongest."

According to theories of evolution the causes of mutations that result in genomic variation are what triggers evolution. These mutations could occur at random or under the influence of the environment. When mutations are random the frequency of the resultant alleles could differ from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it can increase the frequency of the allele, causing the allele to be spread across the population.

As time passes, these changes in the frequencies of alleles can lead to the formation of new species. The new species will evolve and develop into newer forms. This is a process known as macroevolution. The creation of a new species is often due to changes in the environment which provide certain types of resources available or create 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 against predators.


In a wider context, evolution is defined as any change that takes place in the traits of organisms over the course of time. The change could be subtle, such as the development of new colors or dramatic, like the formation of an organ.

Scientists who accept the theory of evolution generally recognize the importance of genetic changes in the process of generating evolution. They also acknowledge that evolution is a process that happens over time, usually over a period of millions of years. However, they differ over the importance of different factors that speed up or slow down the process, including the impact of environmental pressures, sexual selection and mutation bias. Despite these differences scientists believe that evolution has occurred and that the evidence for this is overwhelming.

What is the evidence for evolution?

Since Darwin's time scientists have collected evidence to back his theory of evolution. The evidence comes from fossils that show the evolution of organisms over time. Another evidence comes from similarities among living organisms, embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.

The most important proof of evolution can be found in the evolutionary tree, which illustrates how different species are related. Another source of evidence is homologous structures, which share a similar structure in different species, but have distinct functions such as the wings of bats and birds. The fact that different species develop and adapt to a similar environment is another sign of evolution. For example, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans have white pelts during the winter months which blend with snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolutionary process which suggests that the species share common ancestors.

Another source of evidence is the existence of vestige structures, which are unutilized parts of an organism that may have served a function in the distant ancestor. 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 utilized.

Scientists have also collected evidence for evolution through observation and experimenting. The evidence for evolution can be classified into six distinct categories: changes that can be observed at a small scale, biogeographic distributions and comparative anatomies, the fossil record and genetics. Each of these provides convincing evidence that the evolution of life has occurred.

Many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution. However, it's an established fact. It isn't only a theory, it is a powerful collection of years of research and observation that has been tested and proven. Scientists continue to collect and analyze new data to better understand the arc of the Earth's life, regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will aid scientists understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and also how to make the most of the resources of our planet. 에볼루션 코리아 will also enable us to better meet the needs of the people living on the planet.