The Evolution Site

The theory of evolution by natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. It brings together disciplines like microbiology, palaeontology, genetics and 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 can help explain the most important concepts.

What is Evolution?

Modern evolutionary theory focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that take place in populations over time. These changes are a result of natural selection, a process that increases the number of organisms that have traits that are beneficial and allow them to survive and reproduce in a particular environment. The organisms that have these traits produce more offspring because of the beneficial characteristics. 에볼루션 leads to an alteration in genetics that could eventually lead to the development of new species.

The term "evolution" is often associated with the notion of "survival of the fittest," which implies that those individuals who are best adapted to a specific set of environmental conditions will be more successful than those who aren't well-adapted. This is just one of many ways that evolution could happen.

Another popular way to use the word evolution is to suggest that a species will progress from one state to the next. This kind of view can be referred to as anagenetic or cladogenesis. The definition of evolution that scientists have developed is not in agreement with this view. Instead, the theory of evolution that is scientifically based is based on the changes that happen 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. Others, notably Alfred Russel Wallace, who developed the theory of macroevolution believed that this was the only way that the higher forms of life could have evolved from the lower ones.


A theory must stand against rigorous tests and evidence to be considered as a theory. The evidence for evolution has stood up to the test of time and has been backed by numerous studies in a wide range of scientific disciplines, from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is a fundamental concept in science and is supported by the majority of scientists around 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 (Evolutionary Theory)?

Evolution is the scientific explanation of how living things change over time. It is based on a few established facts: that more offspring are created than can survive, that individuals differ in their physical characteristics and that they can pass on traits to the next generation. These observations are supported by an increasing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology and 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 adapt to their biological and physical environments. It is the most well-supported and validated theory in science. Its predictions were proved by the fact that, for instance, more complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations. The more successful an organism is in terms of surviving and reproducing the more likely it is to pass its genes on to the next generation.

Some people are against evolution because they believe it suggests that there is no reason for existence. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious believers such as the renowned Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not only compatible with belief in God but can be enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).

In fact, a large number of highly skilled evolutionary biologists, including a few who are revered evangelical Christian leaders have been involved in the development and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these scientists have contributed to the understanding of a broad variety of phenomena like phylogenetics, genomics and the formation and function of fossils.

The term "theory" which is often misinterpreted refers to scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over a period of time. Scientists test hypotheses by repeating the experiments or observations that led them to the conclusion. The theory of evolution has been repeatedly tested out, as have the related 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 percentage of genetically distinct individuals within a certain species. This is the result of natural selection, which favors those who are better adapted for their environment. The better-adapted individuals have a greater chance of survival and reproduction. As more people live and reproduce their genes are more widely distributed in the population. This is sometimes referred to as "survival for the fittest."

According to theories of evolution, mutations that lead to genomic variation are what triggers evolutionary change. These mutations could occur at random, or under the influence of the environment. When mutations are random the resulting allele frequencies may differ from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial it will increase the allele frequency which causes the allele to be spread across the population.

These changes in allele frequency can result in new species over time. The new species could grow and evolve into newer forms. This process is known as macroevolution. The formation of new species is often a result of changes in the environment that make certain resources accessible or creates new environmental challenges. For instance, the rise of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of various food sources and the need to defend themselves from predators.

In a broader sense it is any change that takes place in the nature of organisms over the course of time. The change could be subtle, such as the development of new coloration or dramatic, like the development of an organ.

Scientists who believe in evolution theory generally believe that genetic change is crucial in the process of creating evolution. They also believe that evolution is a process that takes place in time, typically over millions of years. They differ on the importance of different factors that may speed up or slow down the process. For example the role played by sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these differences, the majority of scientists are still convinced that evolution is real and that the evidence to prove it is overwhelming.

What is the evidence for evolution?

Throughout the years since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence that supports his theory of evolution. This evidence comes from fossils that show the evolution of living organisms over time. Additional evidence can be found in similarities among living organisms, embryology, biogeography, genetics and comparative anatomy.

The evolutionary tree is the best way to prove evolution. It shows how 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 instance, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans wear white fur coats that blend into the snow and ice. This is a form of convergent evolution, which suggests that the species had common ancestral ancestors.

Another evidence point is vestigial structures, which are unusable organs that may serve a purpose in the distant ancestors. For example the human appendix is an oblique reminder of an organ that was 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 additional evidence of evolution via observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be classified into six distinct categories: changes that can be observed at small scales, biogeographic distributions and comparative anatomies, the fossil record and genetics. Each of these categories offers compelling evidence for the evolution of life.

Many people have misconceptions regarding the theory of evolution. However, it is an established fact. It is not just a theory; it is a mighty collection of decades of research and observation that has been tested and proven. Scientists continue to gather and analyze new data to better understand the arc of Earth's existence regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will help scientists better understand how to prevent future global catastrophes and how to make the most of the resources of our planet. This will allow us to better meet the needs of all the people on this planet.