Evolution

Punctuated equilibrium is commonly contrasted against phyletic gradualism, the belief that evolution generally occurs uniformly and by the steady and gradual transformation of whole lineages (called anagenesis). In this view, evolution is seen as generally smooth and continuous.

Charles Darwin wrote The Origin of Species in 1859, in which he outlined his theories of evolution. The theory of natural selection states that individual variation in a population allows some members a greater chance of survival than others.
Darwin and Wallace, but Wallace didn't publish.

Evidence for natural selection is both abundant and compelling. First, there is the taxonomy of species created by Linnaeus. This hierarchical system strongly implies modern species shared common ancestry, and it is this implication that prompted Charles Darwin to set out on his voyage on the Beagle. During that voyage Darwin encountered numerous fossils that helped him put forth and hone the theory of evolution. For example, Darwin noted fossils of extinct sloths, which highlighted the fact this species had undergone significant change over geologic time. Darwin was also aware that the earliest fossils were all "primitive" Cambrian marine organisms. It was apparent that at the earliest stages, there were no terrestrial life forms.

For natural selection specifically Darwin noted adaptations in varieties of pigeons introduced through artificial selection by pigeon breeders. He realized there was no reason nature could not produce similar variety through its own selection process, and the evidence of variation over geographical areas supports that.

Since Darwin's time we have developed techniques of molecular biology and studies of embryology to further demonstrate the ancestral kinship shared by living organisms. Our own species, for example, shares a defect common to other primates (non functioning GULO gene which is responsible for the synthesis of ascorbic acid) almost no other mammal has. In addition, we can show that our chromosome number 2 is the result of the fusion of two primate chromosomes.

All of the scientific data comprises a veritable rock solid mountain of evidence detailing the pathways of evolution of the course of the past six hundred million years.

In the age old question "which came first the chicken or the egg," evolution points to the egg. As the years passed the egg changed by genetic mutation in the ancestors of the earliest chickens.

A group of organisms with a shared ancestor

Among scientists the theory of evolution is well accepted. Among some religious ideologues, not so much. But how one " views " the theory of evolution by natural selection has nothing to do with the veracity of the theory.

Genes are not copied perfectly, ontogeny also helps make many variant organisms and natural selection chooses the variants that are most suitable to the environment. That means that several variant types use different strategies to survive in the same environment. Competitive exclusion based on resources in the same species. ( Darwin's finches )

Darwinism was suggested in the 19th century by Charles Darwin. However, it wasn't the first time that this theory was introduced. Many people in the age of Greek mythology who are called nature philosophers had come up with similar assumptions. Darwinism was, in fact, an extension to those philosophies.

Darwinism is a theory supported by a large body of evidence. Major academic institutions highly recognize this theory and major textbooks in biology and other sciences (including social sciences) are based on this theory. Darwinism currently receives a high degree of acceptance among the public in Europe, reaching over 90% in France, Norway, Sweden and other countries with high levels of scientific literacy and standards of education. Rejection of evolutionary theory amongst the highly educated is limited to a few proponents of intelligent design or creationism, although the theory is much more widely rejected amongst religious laymen.

Darwinism, a term used in reference to evolution and natural selection, is widely accepted. There is a simple reason for this: it has an overwhelming volume of hard facts to support the idea. To suggest that Darwinism has no proof is ludicrous, mindless. Look at what Darwin said starting with one of his most remarkable insights.

Darwin gave us the idea of the tree of life. This brilliant stroke, the proffering that as time passes, life changes, and over long periods, life evolves and "morphs" into other distinct life, is that tree. This has extraordinary meaning when one views the broad tapestry that is life on earth. From the awe inspiring fossil record to the stunning and breathtaking panorama of living species, a thinking viewer could not read the "script" written upon the face of the planet and deny what is before him.

Modern evolutionary synthesis (MES) takes into account the twists and turns life has taken when living things have been molded as clay by the patient and implacable hands of time. Geologic activity (from the gradual to the catastrophic), climate change and the low probability, high consequence events like the arrival of a rock from space (as well as all the other factors at work in the ongoing dynamic transformation of the big blue marble) do one other thing: they change the living things that are riding this ball on its trip about the Milky Way. The fact is inescapable.

Sexual species appeared

about 1.2 billion years ago.

No. DNA is quite conclusive. It is even able to tell which person (for example) is the father even if the two possibilites are closely related such as brothers. DNA test results are not subjective - there is no human "reading" the results and drawing conclusions. You either match or you don't. The only inconclusive tests will be if there are identical twins involved or if the DNA sample is corroded (ie quite old).

Because all organisms vary and different one have different survival characteristics that are selected for. Some organisms are reproductively successful and are selected to survive and pass on this success to their progeny.

In the process of conjugation bacteria transfers its genetic material to an other bacteria by using sex pilli not any virus.

Fad fashion refers to temporary trends or styles in clothing or accessories that become popular for a short period of time before fading away quickly. These trends are often influenced by celebrities, social media, or cultural events.

In evolution, natural selection is often called survival of the fittest.

On his return trip to England, Darwin thought about the tortoises and their vegetation compared to the height of the animals.

disruptive selection favors the extremes of a range of selection

Disruptive selection refers to natural selection that favors phenotypic extremes. Example (off the top of my head, but based loosely on reality): Consider a population of seed-eating birds with beaks that range in size, so that big beaks are best adapted to eating big seeds, small beaks are best adapted to small seeds, and medium beaks are best adapted to medium seeds. Now suppose that the source of medium seeds goes extinct (perhaps because of a fungal pathogen). The bird phenotype with medium beaks looses its food source; selection favors the big and small beaks.

genes that produce behaviors and traits that lead to survival are passed on to the next generation

Evolution as an idea has existed since ancient times. The first thinkers to propose that modern lifeforms evolved from earlier forms were Greek philosophers, like Anaximander and Empedocles, living centuries BCE. Naturally, they thought that the way life and the world presented themselves to them was evidence for their hypotheses.

It wasn't until Charles Darwin that a comprehensive explanation for evolution was proposed, one that consisted of falsifiable hypotheses and that was supported by independently verifiable evidence to such an extent that it defeated alternative explanations in scope and accuracy.

For more information, see links below.

The inheritance of acquired traits, such as muscular development, that could be passed on to progeny. Refuted.

The " desire " of organisms to evolve into new forms as needed in the changing environment. Also refuted.

Fitness is generally measured in average number of fertile offspring.

Organisms can be grouped as free-living or parasitic.

A parasite is an organism which lives in or on another organism, from which it obtains its food. Since humans do not do this they are not parasitic, and so must be free-living.

1. Mutation

2. Migration (Gene Flow): both immigration and emigration.

3. Genetic Drift

4. Sexual Selection (Non-random mating)

5. Natural Selection: those most fit survive to pass on their genes to the next generation.

A huge impact - at least, in the life sciences. Evolutionary theory is the basal unifying model for all of biology. It forms the background and starting point for all new research in the life sciences. Its notions also find purchase in other fields of science, such as psychology and engineering.

Darwin was inspired by many scientist and the time period was focused on advancing human knowledge, but he did a lot of the research himself, he observed animals of different places and some of their appearances and behaviors. His theory says that as a species ages some of the species will gain physical or behavioral that helps it better cope with its environment; since these organisms survive longer they have a better chance to reproduce and pass on their favorable traits.

No. But you will see as you learn more science that not believing or believing will resolve the question for you.