The Evolution Site

The theory of natural selection as the foundation of evolution is the central force in the current biology. It ties together disciplines that are as diverse as genetics microbiology, and palaeontology.

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

What is Evolution?

Modern evolutionary theory focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that take place in populations over time. These changes are the result of natural selection. This is a process which increases the number organisms with beneficial traits, which enable them to survive and reproduce in certain environments. As a result, these organisms leave more offspring than those who don't possess the beneficial characteristics. This could result in a genetic mutation that may 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 the most 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 the many different ways that evolution can occur.

Another way to use the term "evolution" is to suggest that species will progress from one state to the next. This view of evolution is called anagenetic or cladogenesis. This theory is not supported by the definition of evolution in science. The theory of evolution that is based on science change focuses instead on the changes that occur in populations over time. These changes are the result mutations that produce 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 this was the only way in which the higher living forms could have evolved.


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 the sciences of astronomy to chemistry. In actual fact, evolution is accepted as one of the foundations of science today, and is backed by the vast majority of scientists worldwide. 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 (Evolutionary Theory)?

Evolution is an explanation in science of the way living things change over time. It is based upon a few known facts: that more offspring are born than can be surviving and that different individuals have their physical characteristics and that they are able to pass on traits to future generations. These observations are supported by a growing body of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology climatology functional morphology geology.

The theory of evolution through natural selection was conceived independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the mid-19th century to explain the reason that organisms are adapted to their biological and physical environment. It is the most widely accepted and validated theory in 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. Additionally, the more efficient an organism is in being able to reproduce and survive in its ability to reproduce, the more likely it will be to pass on its genes to future generations.

Some people are against evolution because they believe that it implies there is no purpose for life. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious such as the renowned Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not only compatible with faith in God but also enhances it (BioLogos 2014).

Many highly skilled evolutionary biologists have been involved in developing and testing the theory of evolution, including several revered evangelical Christian leaders. Many of these researchers contributed to the understanding of a wide range phenomena, including genomics and phylogenetics and also the formation and function fossils.

The word "theory" which is often misused, refers to a scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over a long period of time. Scientists test hypotheses through repeating the experiments or observations that led them to them. Therefore, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly borne out and so have the theories of Copernican, atomic and germ theory.

What is the Process of Evolution?

The process of evolution is a gradual shift in the genetically different individuals within a species over time. This change is the result of natural selection of individuals who are better adapted to their environment. The better-adapted individuals have a better chance of survival and reproduction. As more people survive and reproduce, their genes become more prevalent within the population. This is sometimes referred to as "survival for the fittest."

According to theories of evolution, mutations that lead to genetic variation are the primary reason for evolution. These mutations may occur randomly or be influenced by the environment. When mutations are random, the resulting allele frequencies may differ from generation to generation. In contrast, when a mutation is beneficial, it will increase the frequency of the allele, which causes it to spread through the population.

Changes in the frequency of alleles can result in new species over time. The new species could develop further and evolve into newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The formation of new species is usually caused by changes in the environment, that make certain resources accessible or creates new environmental problems. The evolution of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example, is due to the availability of new foods and the need to defend themselves against predators.

In a broader sense it is any change that occurs in the traits of living organisms over time. The change could be small, such as the development of a new coloration, or large, such as the development of a brand new organ.

Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally agree that genetic change is essential in generating evolution. They also acknowledge that the process of evolution occurs over a long time, often millions of years. They differ on the importance of various factors that could speed up or slow down the process. For example the role of sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these disagreements, most scientists are still convinced that evolution is real and that the evidence to prove it is overwhelming.

What is the Evidence of Evolution?

In the decades since Darwin's time, scientists have collected evidence to support his theory of evolution. This evidence is gathered from fossils that show the evolution of living organisms over time. Additional evidence can be found in the similarities between living organisms embryology, biogeography genetics and comparative anatomy.

The evolutionary tree is the most effective method to prove the existence of evolution. It demonstrates how species are related. Homologous structures are another source of evidence. They have a similar structure, but they perform different functions in different species, such as the wing of a bat or bird. 에볼루션바카라 is also evident in the fact that various species adapt and evolve to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and ptarmigans grow seasonal white pelts that blend in with snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolutionary process, which suggests that the species share ancestral ancestors.

Vestigial structures are another piece of evidence. These are parts of an organism which may have served a purpose in the distant past. For instance the human appendix may be a vestige of a once-used organ used to digest food. These structures tend to shrink in size as they are no longer utilized in a process called natural selection.

Scientists have also collected other evidence of evolution through observation and experimentation. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six different categories: directly observed changes at a small scale, biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomies fossil records and genetics. Each of these provides compelling evidence that evolution of life has taken place.

While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution, it is an empirical fact. It is not a theory but a significant collection that is based on decades of observation. 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 allow scientists to better understand how to avoid future global catastrophes and how best to make use of the resources on our planet. It will also enable us to better meet the needs of people on this planet.