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The word 'evolution' can be used to indicate two things:

  • The phenomenon of evolution, ie. the changing of allele frequencies in population gene pools (or, as Darwin originally put it, descent with modification).
  • The theory of evolution, ie. the model that explains the diversity of life in terms of what we know about evolution, population genetics, and so on.

We know the phenomenon of evolution exists because we can see it happening.

As for the theory, there the evidence consists of a multitude of independent lines of observation, all pointing in the same direction:

  • That modern lifeforms stem from a shared ancestry.
  • That an important guiding force of evolution is natural selection.

Common ancestry is demonstrated true by the nested hierarchies we find everywhere in life: in morphology, in genetics, in molecular Biology, in embryology, in behavioural studies, etc. Basically, these observations show us that every group of organisms inherited its characteristics from a larger, more basal group, with a few unique changed added. This pattern is exactly what we would expect to find if common descent were true. Specific predictions can be made based on the general pattern, which can then be tested against detailed observations. Common ancestry is also demonstrated by the fossils we find: these show a progressing divergence of forms, starting out from the most basal forms, and then diverging towards more modern forms. The fossil record also provides numerous transitional forms, that are representative of intermediaries between basal forms and more modern forms.

Natural selection is observed in nature, and can be readily tested in the lab. Not only do we see natural selection acting upon populations now, but we can also make predictions about what we should find in the genomes of various organisms if natural selection had acted upon certain traits in the past - and then test those predictions against the actual genomes.

So that's how we know evolution is true.
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What are the scientists who study evolution called?

Scientists who study evolution are called evolutionary biologists. They research the processes of genetic change and natural selection that drive the diversity of life on Earth.


What scientists believe in evolution?

The overwhelming majority of scientists across various fields, including biology, paleontology, and genetics, accept the theory of evolution as the best explanation for the diversity of life on Earth. The theory of evolution is supported by a wide range of evidence, including the fossil record, comparative anatomy, and molecular biology. While there may be scientists who do not accept evolution, they represent a very small minority within the scientific community.


What is true Individuals are constantly evolving. Populations are constantly evolving. Evolution involves descent with modification. Acquired characteristics lead to evolution.?

Individuals are constantly evolving - False. Populations are constantly evolving - True. Evolution involves descent with modification - True. Acquired characteristics lead to evolution - False.


Is evolution true or false reasons why?

true Answer The Theory of Evolution by Means of Natural Selection is accepted by most, almost all, scientists as an excellent account of how life must change and diversify and adapt across time. Evolution is considered factual and thus true by most scientists. The reason for this is the huge amount of evidence, which comes from comparative genetics, comparative genomics, comparative cytogenetics, biogeography, comparative morphology, comparative biochemistry, comparative behaviour and the fossil record.


How is radioactive dating important for provinding evidence for evolution?

Radioactive dating helps scientists determine the ages of rocks and fossils, which provide a timeline of Earth's history. By comparing the ages of different fossils and rock layers, scientists can trace the evolution of species over time. This timeline of evolution is a key piece of evidence supporting the theory of evolution.

Related Questions

Do any qualified scientists support evolution?

The vast majority of scientists support evolution. There is no longer any debate in the scientific community about whether evolution occurs, only the mechanisms in which evolution acts upon is debated.


What are true about evolution?

Some true statements about evolution:Evolution is the best explanation we have for the origin of speciesEvolution is accepted by scientists as factThe Theory of Evolution has contributed enormously to the understanding of BiologyThe Theory of Evolution has been used successfully to predict the discovery of an ancient speciesFor more information, please visit: http://christianity.answers.com/theology/the-story-of-creation


What percentage of scientists believe in evolution?

According to a 2009 Pew Research Center survey, about 97 of scientists in the United States believe in evolution.


What percentage of scientists do not believe in evolution?

According to a 2009 Pew Research Center survey, about 2 of scientists in the United States do not believe in evolution.


What is the estimated number of scientists who believe in evolution?

The estimated number of scientists who believe in evolution is around 97-99, according to various surveys and studies.


A change in gene frequency in a population over time is a foundation of biological evolution true or false?

True. That is the definition of evolution.


What molecule do scientists believe came first in the evolution of life on Earth?

Scientists believe that the molecule that came first in the evolution of life on Earth is RNA (ribonucleic acid).


Do scientists believe man was created by God or that they just evolved?

Different scientists hold different beliefs. Many scientists accept the theory of evolution as a scientific explanation for the diversity of life on Earth. However, there are also scientists who believe in theistic evolution, which posits that evolution is a process guided by a higher power, such as God. Ultimately, beliefs about the origins of humans vary among scientists.


What do scientists use to study macro evolution?

The fossil record


What are the scientists who study evolution called?

Scientists who study evolution are called evolutionary biologists. They research the processes of genetic change and natural selection that drive the diversity of life on Earth.


When did scientists believe that chemical evolution occurred?

Scientists have believed that chemical evolution occurred about 4 billion years ago, shortly after the formation of the Earth. This process is thought to have led to the development of the first life forms on our planet.


What is the name of the Christian worship song for children which contains the words I don't believe in evolution I know creation is true?

I Don't Believe in Evolution By, Buddy Davis Presented by Answers in Genesis