The Evolution Site

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

However the study of evolution is often controversial and the resulting misinformation can confuse people 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 the results of natural selection. This is a process that increases the number of organisms with beneficial traits, which help them to thrive and reproduce in certain environments. This means that these organisms leave more offspring than those who do not have the beneficial characteristics. This results in the genetic changes that can eventually lead to the formation of new species.


The term "evolution" is often associated with "survival-of-the best" which implies that people who are better adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have a distinct advantage over those less well adapted. In reality it is only one of the many different ways in which evolution can occur.

Another common way the term "evolution" is used to suggest that a species will invariably change from one state to the next one. This type of view of evolution could be referred to as anagenetic, or cladogenesis. This is not backed by the definition of evolution in science. Instead the theory of evolution that is scientifically based focuses on changes that happen within populations over time, and these changes are caused by mutations that produce genomic variation and natural selection.

Some scientists, such as the great Charles Darwin, advocated this theory of evolution. Others, including Alfred Russel Wallace, who developed the theory of macroevolution believed that this was the only way the higher forms of life could be derived from lower ones.

A concept must be able stand up to rigorous tests and evidence to be considered a theory. The evidence of evolution has stood the test of time and has been backed by countless studies in a wide range of scientific disciplines, from biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy. In actual fact evolution is considered to be one of the fundamental tenets of science today, and is backed by the majority of scientists across the globe. Many people have misconceptions regarding the nature of evolution theory and how it connects with religion.

What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?

Evolution is a scientific explanation of how living things change with 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 one another in their physical characteristics (phenotype); that different traits have different rates of survival and reproduction; and that traits can be passed down to future generations. These observations are supported by the increasing amount of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology functional morphology, climatology and geology.

The theory of evolution by natural selection was conceived independently by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the late 19th century as an explanation for why organisms are adapted to their biological and physical environments. 에볼루션 코리아 is today the most supported and most extensively tested theory in all of science. Its theories have been proven out by the fact that, for example more complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism becomes in terms of surviving and reproducing the more likely it will transfer its genes to future generations.

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

In actual fact, a significant number of highly qualified 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 contributed to the understanding of a broad range of phenomena, including genomics and phylogenetics, and also the formation and function of fossils.

The term "theory" is often used incorrectly to mean a guess or speculation however it actually refers to a scientific idea that has been rigorously tested and refined over time. Scientists test hypotheses through repeating the experiments or observations that led them to them. Therefore the theory of evolution theory has been repeatedly confirmed, as have the corresponding theories of Copernican theory as well as atomic theory and germ theory.

What is the Process of Evolution?

The process of evolution is the gradual change over time in the ratio 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 people who are more adaptable have higher chances of reproducing and survival. As more of these people survive and reproduce, their genes become more common in the general population. This is often called "survival of the strongest."

According to the theory of evolution, mutations that lead to genomic variation are what drives evolution. These mutations could occur at random or be influenced by the environment. When mutations are random the frequency of the resultant alleles could vary from generation to generation. When a mutation is beneficial it will increase the frequency of alleles and cause the allele to be spread across the population.

Over time, these shifts in allele frequencies could lead to the formation of new species. The new species will evolve and develop into newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The creation of a new species is often due to changes in the environment which allow certain kinds of resources to become available or cause new environmental problems. For example, the evolution of finches on the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of different food sources and the need defend themselves from predators.

In a larger sense, evolution is defined as any change that takes place in the characteristics of living organisms over time. The change could be small or even the creation of a new coloration, or massive, for instance, the development of a brand new organ.

Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally believe that genetic change is important in generating evolution. They also agree that evolution is a process that takes place over time, typically over millions of years. They differ on the importance of various factors that may speed up or slow down this process. For example the role played by sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these differences scientists believe that evolution has occurred and that the evidence for this is overwhelming.

What evidence do we have to support evolution?

Since Darwin's time scientists have gathered evidence to support his theory of evolution. A portion of this evidence is derived from fossils which show the changing characteristics of organisms through time. Similarities between living and non-living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography, and genetics are evidence.

The evolutionary tree is the most effective method of proving evolution. It demonstrates how species are related. Homologous structures are another proof. They have a similar structure but serve different purposes in different species, for instance, the wings of a bat or bird. The fact that different species develop and adapt to the same environment is another sign of evolution. For instance, arctic-foxes and Ptarmigans have white pelts during the winter months that blend in with the snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolutionary, which suggests that the species had common ancestors.

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

Scientists have also gathered evidence of evolution through observation and experimenting. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six distinct categories: changes that can be observed at small scales biogeographic distributions, comparative anatomies fossil records, genetics. Each of these provides compelling evidence that the evolution of life has taken place.

While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution, it is an empirical fact. It isn't just a theory; it is a powerful collection of decades of observations and data that has been tested and proven. No matter what people believe or deny about the theory of evolution scientists continue to research and gather new information in order to further understand the history of life on Earth. This information will help scientists to better understand how to prevent future global catastrophes, and how to best utilize the resources available on our planet. It will also enable us to better serve the needs of all the people living on the planet.