Difference between revisions of "Evolution"
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'''Evolution | '''Evolution''' is the process by which a given system gradually changes. When applied to [[biology]], the term most commonly refers to the '''Theory of Evolution''', the [[scientific theory]] which describes the process by which species adapt over time, as observed in the [[fossil]] record and laboratory testing. Originally proposed by the British naturalist [[Charles Darwin]] in his work ''On the Origin of Species'', it has since been refined and expanded by generations of biologists. | ||
==Process== | |||
The basic principle of evolution is that a beneficial trait, emerging through random [[mutation]] or recombination in a given species' [[DNA]], will propagate itself into following generations, while undesirable traits are not passed on. This is made possible by the fact that these beneficial traits increase the chance that their carrying creature survives to adulthood to [[ses | procreate]] and pass on said trait. A common misconception is that this leads to survival of the ''fittest'', ie those creatures who are ''physically superior''; in practice, is leads to the survival of those creatures who are ''most suited to their environment'', regardless of physical prowess. | |||
When populations are isolated through geographical or climate factors, a new species may arise as more unique traits are passed on to following generations. A prominent example - and one that partially inspired the original theory - was the development of subspecies among the finches of the Galapagos Islands, where populations of birds had evolved different beak structures to better gather specific types of [[food]]. | |||
==Current status and controversy== | |||
Within the scientific community, evolution is virtually universally accepted as the means by which the current diversity of species on Earth came into being. There are, however, small groups which still resist the acceptance of the theory, usually on the grounds that it conflicts with the biblical account of the creation of Earth. These groups have marginal influence within the scientific community; instead, they often resort to presenting their views directly to laymen, preferably by introducing their own views (see [[Intelligent Design]]) directly through the school system. These efforts have had some success, particularly in the [[United States]]. | |||
Both [[SDN]]'s community and Mike Wong's [http://www.creationtheory.org/ CreationTheory] website have applied themselves to debate the merits of evolution and the scientific errors committed by its detractors. | |||
[[Category:Creationism vs Science]] | [[Category:Creationism vs Science]] | ||
Revision as of 19:09, 14 November 2007
Evolution is the process by which a given system gradually changes. When applied to biology, the term most commonly refers to the Theory of Evolution, the scientific theory which describes the process by which species adapt over time, as observed in the fossil record and laboratory testing. Originally proposed by the British naturalist Charles Darwin in his work On the Origin of Species, it has since been refined and expanded by generations of biologists.
Process
The basic principle of evolution is that a beneficial trait, emerging through random mutation or recombination in a given species' DNA, will propagate itself into following generations, while undesirable traits are not passed on. This is made possible by the fact that these beneficial traits increase the chance that their carrying creature survives to adulthood to procreate and pass on said trait. A common misconception is that this leads to survival of the fittest, ie those creatures who are physically superior; in practice, is leads to the survival of those creatures who are most suited to their environment, regardless of physical prowess.
When populations are isolated through geographical or climate factors, a new species may arise as more unique traits are passed on to following generations. A prominent example - and one that partially inspired the original theory - was the development of subspecies among the finches of the Galapagos Islands, where populations of birds had evolved different beak structures to better gather specific types of food.
Current status and controversy
Within the scientific community, evolution is virtually universally accepted as the means by which the current diversity of species on Earth came into being. There are, however, small groups which still resist the acceptance of the theory, usually on the grounds that it conflicts with the biblical account of the creation of Earth. These groups have marginal influence within the scientific community; instead, they often resort to presenting their views directly to laymen, preferably by introducing their own views (see Intelligent Design) directly through the school system. These efforts have had some success, particularly in the United States.
Both SDN's community and Mike Wong's CreationTheory website have applied themselves to debate the merits of evolution and the scientific errors committed by its detractors.