The Evolution Site

The theory of evolution based on natural selection is the defining force of modern biology. It connects disciplines such as microbiology, palaeontology, genetics and palaeontology.

The study of evolution can be controversial, and the misinformation that results can lead to 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 occur in populations over time. talks about it Links to an external site. are the result of natural selection, a process that increases the number of organisms that possess beneficial traits that help them survive and reproduce in a particular environment. The organisms that have these traits produce more offspring as a result of the beneficial characteristics. This can result in a genetic mutation that could eventually lead to the creation of new species.

The term "evolution" is often associated with the notion of "survival of the strongest," which implies that those people who are most well-adapted to a specific environment will have an advantage over those who aren't adapted to the environment. However it is only one of the many ways that evolution can occur.

Another way of using the term "evolution" is to suggest that species are able to move from one stage to the next. This theory of evolution is known as anagenetic or cladogenesis. The scientific definition of evolution does not support this view. The theory of evolution that is based on science changes focuses 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 idea. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed this was only way the higher living forms could have evolved.

For a concept to be considered a theory, it has to be capable of surviving rigorous testing and evidence. The evidence for evolution has stood the test of time and has been supported by a myriad of studies across many sciences, from biology to geology to chemistry to astronomy. Evolution is the foundation of science and is believed by the majority of scientists around the world. Many people are confused about the nature of the theory of evolution, especially how it relates to religion.

What is the Theory of Evolution?

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


Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution by selection in the middle of the 19th century as an explanation why organisms adapt to their physical and biologic environments. It is the most well-supported and validated theory in science. Its predictions have been borne out by the fact that, for example, more complex organisms have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism is in terms of survival and reproducing, the more likely it will transmit its genes to the next generation.

Some people oppose evolution because they believe it suggests that there is no purpose for life. However, many scientists who are also religious such as the renowned Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution isn't just compatible with belief in God but also enhances it (BioLogos 2014).

In 에볼루션 슬롯게임 Links to an external site. , a large number of highly qualified evolutionary biologists, including some who are revered evangelical Christian leaders are involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these researchers have contributed to the understanding of a broad variety of phenomena, including phylogenetics and genomics, and the formation and role of fossils.

The term "theory", which is often misinterpreted is a reference to a scientific hypothesis that has been tested and refined over a long period of time. Scientists test their theories by repeating experiments or observations that resulted in them. Therefore the theory of evolution theory has been repeatedly confirmed as have the corresponding theories of Copernican theory, atomic theory, and germ theory.

What is the Process of Evolution?

The process of evolution is the gradual change over time in the proportion of genetically distinct individuals within a certain species. This change is a result of natural selection of those who are more adapted to their environment. The people who are more adaptable have better chances of reproduction and survival. As more people survive and reproduce their genes are more widely distributed within the population. This is often referred to as "survival of the strongest."

According to the theory of evolution the mutations that cause genetic variation are the primary reason for evolutionary change. These mutations can occur at random or under the influence of the environment. If mutations occur in a random manner, the allele frequencies may vary from generation to generation. When the mutation is beneficial, it can increase the frequency of the allele, causing it to spread across the population.

As time passes, these changes in the frequencies of alleles can result in the creation of new species. The new species will then grow and evolve into new forms. This is a process known as macroevolution. The formation of a new species is often due to changes in the environment which make certain kinds of resources available or cause new environmental problems. For instance, the development of finches in the Galapagos Islands is a result of the availability of different food sources and the need to defend themselves from predators.

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

Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally agree that genetic change is essential in creating evolution. They also agree that evolution is a process that occurs over time, usually over millions of years. However, they differ on the role of various factors that speed up or slow down the process, including the role of environmental pressures, sexual selection and mutation bias. Despite these differences, most scientists believe that evolution has happened and that the evidence for this is overwhelming.

What evidence do we have to support evolution?

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

The evolutionary tree is the most effective way to prove evolution. It shows how species are related. Homologous structures are another proof. They share a common structure but perform different functions in different species, for instance, the wing of a bird or bat. Evolution is evident in the way that various species adapt and evolve to similar environments. For instance, arctic-foxes and ptarmigans have seasonal white pelts that blend into snow and ice. This is a kind of convergent evolutionary process, which suggests the species shared ancestors.

Another evidence point is vestigial structures, which are unused parts of an organism that could have served a function in the distant ancestor. For example, the human appendix is an oblique reminder of an organ that served to digest food. Natural selection causes these structures to shrink as they are no longer used.

Scientists have also collected evidence for evolution through observation and experimenting. The evidence for evolution can be divided into six categories: directly visible small-scale changes in biogeographic distribution as well as comparative anatomy, fossil record, genetics, and classification. Each of these provides convincing evidence that evolution of life has taken place.

Many people have misconceptions about the theory of evolution. However, it is an established fact. It is not a theory, but rather a powerful collection founded on decades of observation. Scientists continue to collect and analyze new data to better understand the arc of Earth's evolution regardless of whether people believe in the theory of evolution or not. This information will allow scientists to better understand how to prevent future catastrophes on the planet, and how to use the resources of our planet. It will also allow us to better meet the needs of people on this planet.