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Evolution
The scientific theory according to which populations change gradually through a process of natural selection.
5,264 Questions
What is evolutionary sotware model?
The evolutionary model is an iterative software development approach where the project is divided into small incremental builds. Each build is developed and delivered to the client in short cycles, allowing for feedback and changes to be integrated throughout the development process. This model is suitable for projects with evolving requirements and where it is difficult to determine all the requirements at the beginning.
What can be inferred if a gene persists in a population over time?
The characteristics resulting from the gene are advantagous for the survival of the population, or at least more so than its alternative(s) in the conditions of the time period through which it presides.
What are some of the main points of Darwin's theory of evolution?
Living things vary in their traits, and new variations, however slight they may be, are being continually produced.
Some of the traits are heritable.
Some of the heritable traits influence reproductive success.
Traits that tend to enhance reproductive success will tend to become more common in a population. The reverse for those traits that inhibit reproductive success.
This provides a mechanism for change over the generations, which can lead to the development of new species.
Species producing new species means that all living things are related by common descent.
Yes, natural selection is a well-established scientific fact. It is the process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce at higher rates, leading to the increase in frequency of advantageous traits in a population over time.
What is the creation of a new species called?
The creation of a new species is called speciation. This process occurs when populations of a species become reproductively isolated and diverge over time, leading to the formation of distinct species.
With special creation, we should find species distributed in an effectively random geographic manner, with closely related species no more likely to be located close to each other than not, but merely existing where climate and other environmental factors favoured their survival. It would make as much if not more sense for them to exist wherever an environment could support them, as opposed to being distributed according to their apparent relationship to other life forms. The fact that this is not the case contradicts the claims of creationists.
Comparative anatomy
One of the strongest forms of evidence against special creation is comparative anatomy. Organisms with similar anatomical features are assumed to be relatively closely related evolutionarily, and they are assumed to share a common ancestor. Common ancestry is a paradox if species have remained unchanged since the time of creation.
Some organisms have homologous anatomical structures that are very similar in embryological development and form, but very different in function. A good example of homologous structures is the forelimb of mammals. When examined closely, the forelimbs of humans, whales, dogs, and bats are all very similar in structure - each possesses the same number of bones, arranged in almost the same way. By comparing the anatomy of these organisms, scientists have determined that they share a common evolutionary ancestor and in an evolutionary sense, they are relatively closely related. Their dramatic differences in function is clear evidence of adaptation through continuing evolution, not of special creation.
Other organisms have analogous anatomical structures that function in very similar ways, but are morphologically and developmentally very different. For example, the wings of birds and dragonflies both serve the same function, but the anatomy of the wings are very different. Since these structures are so different, even though they have the same function, they do not indicate an evolutionary relationship nor that two species share a common ancestor.
Why is microevolution claimed by creationists and evolutionary scientists?
Microevolution is evolution that has taken place within a species to such a limited extent that the result is not yet an entirely new species.
Many creationists are willing to accept the reality of microevolution because, even in large mammals, the timeframe for microevolution is so short that we can readily see that it has occurred. To a creationist, there is an important distinction between microevolution and macroevolution, where evolution has already continued until the change is so apparent that a new species must be defined. If they accept the fact of macroevolution, then they must accept the Theory of Evolution as the explanation for life on earth.
Of course, scientists, or if one prefers 'evolutionists', accept that microevolution is the first step on the path to macroevolution, and they accept that this is explained by the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection. Not all instances of microevolution continue on to macroevolution and the creation of new species. In some cases, a limited adaptation is all that is necessary for the species to survive in an altered environment. In other cases, the adaptation is to slow or too late, and the species becomes extinct before it can adapt.
AnswerBoth accept that there are changes within species because they are easily observed. Creationists, while acknowledging it is not evolution, see adaptations within a group which do not lead to any new genetic material and do not in any way discredit the creation of kinds by God. They accept it because of the clear scientific evidence that changes within species occur while those involving the addition of new genetic material needed for 'macroevolution' have not been proven despite the claims of some.
How is angiosperm evolution related to insect evolution?
Angiosperm evolution is intricately linked to insect evolution through mutualistic relationships such as pollination. As angiosperms evolved flowers to attract pollinators like insects, the insects co-evolved specialized mouthparts and behaviors to access nectar or pollen. This co-evolution has led to a diverse array of plant-insect interactions that have shaped the biodiversity and ecological functioning of both groups.
Which scientist is most often associated with the theory of evolution?
Charles Darwin is most often associated with the theory of evolution. His work on natural selection, as outlined in his book "On the Origin of Species," revolutionized our understanding of how species change over time.
What are the answers for natural selection paper scissors rock?
I am not quite sure what you are talking about, but here is some info for paper scissors rock:
Paper beats rock, rock beats scissor and scissor beats paper.
If you are scissors and you win, you snap your fingers in the opponents "paper"
If you are the paper and you win, you cover your hand over the opponents "rock"
If you are the rock and you win, you bang your hands on the opponents "scissors"
If you want to be paper, put your hand out. If you want to be rock, make a fist. And if you want to be scissors, hold out your pointer finger and your middle finger.
Also, for your next game of paper scissors rock, if you are paper there is a very likely chance you will win.
Hope this helps!
Pattern of evolution where a species is stable for a long time then rapidly changes?
Punctuated equilibrium is a model of evolution in which species exhibit long periods of stasis, where little change occurs, punctuated by brief periods of rapid change. This theory suggests that most evolutionary change happens over relatively short periods of time during events like speciation.
When and how did the debate over theories of evolution begin?
Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace were the first to formulate a scientific argument for the theory of evolution. In 1859 Darwin published his book On the Origin of Species. Until this was published there were other ideas.
There is a competing idea, not a theory, that is creationism. This is based on theological thinking.
How do you disprove evolution?
Find some fully formed elephant fossils in Cambrian rock. Find ANY modern animal before it's evolutionary ancestors in the geologic column. Evolution would be unable to explain this.
AnswerGOOD LUCKyes it is i personally dont know were we came from but ill tell u why evolution is fake, my number one reason is if we evolved into monkeys then why arent monkeys changing into humans now they live for like 10-20 years and die so how does evolution suport that? and fish if you put any type of fish in a bowl it will die no one has seen a fish sprout legs. so that is my reason
How is the evolution theory only limited as a theory?
The word 'theory' means it is an explanatory framework for some set of observational data. As to your question: while there is an overwhelming amount of observational data supporting the general tenets of evolutionary theory, and it is now impossible to rationally reject these tenets, it will technically always remain an explanatory model - a theory.
Why is it difficult to make accurate predictions about changes in communities of organisms?
It is difficult because there are too many factors that have to be considered, such as temperature, the amount of food in an area, and competition.
What is the effect of plate movement on the evolution and diversity of animal and plant species?
Plate movements has lead to dispersion of different organisms over time. Animal and Plant species of different types have been transported and displaced to new environments resulting to introduction of species that did not exist in an area before to become an inhabitant of such place.
Natural selection that has led to the evolution of diverse natural history strategies involves the adaptation of traits and behaviors that improve an organism's chances of survival and reproduction in a specific environment. Over time, these adaptations become more common in the population, leading to the emergence of different strategies for survival and reproduction among species.
Evolution occurs through the process of natural selection, where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits on to their offspring. Over time, these small changes can accumulate, leading to the gradual transformation of species. Evolution is supported by evidence from genetics, comparative anatomy, and the fossil record.
What do creationists say are some of the main problems with the theory of evolution?
Here are some arguments for Creation or against Evolution.
These point to Divine Creation:
- The staggering complexity of every organ and every cell in the human body.
- The vastness of our minds and emotions.
- The fact that the universe has definite design, order, and arrangement which cannot be sufficiently explained outside a theistic worldview. (This is how Abraham, without benefit of teachers, came to reject the chaotic world-view of idolatry and the possibility of atheism). For example, theoretical physicist and popular science writer Paul Davies (whose early writings were not especially sympathetic to theism) states concerning the fundamental structure of the universe, "the impression of design is overwhelming" (Davies, 1988, p. 203).
- The laws of the universe seem to have been set in such a way that stars, planets and life can exist. Many constants of nature appear to be finely tuned for this, and the odds against this happening by chance are astronomical.
Also:
1) The glaring lack of transitional fossils has been noted by the evolutionists themselves, such as this statement from the famous paleontologist and evolutionist George G. Simpson; quote: "The regular lack of transitional fossils is not confined to primates alone, but is an almost universal phenomenon."
"The lack of transitional series cannot be explained as being due to the scarcity of material. The deficiencies are real; they will never be filled" (Nilsson, N. Heribert).
"To the unprejudiced, the fossil record of plants is in favor of special creation" (Corner, E.J.H., Contemporary Botanical Thought).
2) Instances of falsifying of evidence by evolutionists, such as Haeckel's drawings, Archaeoraptor, the Cardiff "specimen," and Piltdown Man.
"Haeckel exaggerated the similarities [between embryos of different species] by idealizations and omissions, in a procedure that can only be called fraudulent. His drawings never fooled embryologists, who recognized his fudgings right from the start. The drawings, despite their noted inaccuracies, entered into the standard student textbooks of biology. Once ensconced in textbooks, misinformation becomes cocooned and effectively permanent, because textbooks copy from previous texts. We do, I think, have the right to be both astonished and ashamed by the century of mindless recycling that has led to the persistence of these drawings in a large number, if not a majority, of modern textbooks (Stephen Gould).
Dr. Jonathan Wells published a book in 2002 entitled Icons of Evolution. Dr. Wells states that the book shows that "the best-known 'evidences' for Darwin's theory have been exaggerated, distorted or even faked."
3) Creationists see the "survival of the fittest" and the dating of rock layers by fossils as being perfect tautologies.
4) The fact that some qualified, educated, normal scientists do not believe in evolution. Or at least question it, even if they still preach evolution: "Nine-tenths of the talk of evolutionists is sheer nonsense, not founded on observation and wholly unsupported by facts. This museum is full of proofs of the utter falsity of their views. In all this great museum, there is not a particle of evidence of the transmutation of species" (Dr. Etheridge, Paleontologist of the British Museum).
"To postulate that the development and survival of the fittest is entirely a consequence of chance mutations seems to me a hypothesis based on no evidence and irreconcilable with the facts. It amazes me that this is swallowed so uncritically and readily, and for such a long time, by so many scientists without murmur of protest" (Sir Ernest Chain, Nobel Prize winner).
5) The fact that there is a shared, worldwide tradition among every ancient society that the world was created.
6) Evolving of new organs or species has not been witnessed during known history.
7) Mutations are harmful, not beneficial. One of the tasks of DNA and of long-term breeding is to avoid or repair any changes brought about by mutations. This means that our genetic apparatus is programmed to resist change.
8) Mutations, even if beneficial, do not create new organs.
9) The fact that a great number of fossils have been found in the "wrong" rock-layers according to what evolutionary paleontology would require.
10) The fact that you need DNA to make DNA. No genetic code can be demonstrated to have arisen by chance, together with the ability to read that code and carry out its instructions. Information does not arise spontaneously; and there is an incredible amount of information in even the tiniest cell.
"A living cell is so awesomely complex that its interdependent components stagger the imagination and defy evolutionary explanations" (Michael Denton, author).
"The astounding structural complexity of a cell" (U.S. National Library of Medicine).
Concerning a single structure within a cell: "Without the motor protein, the microtubules don't slide and the cilium simply stands rigid. Without nexin, the tubules will slide against each other until they completely move past each other and the cilium disintegrates. Without the tubulin, there are no microtubules and no motion. The cilium is irreducibly complex. Like a mousetrap, it has all the properties of design and none of the properties of natural selection" (Michael Behe, prof. of biophysics).
11) The problem of the impossibility of abiogenesis in general. "The concept of abiogenesis is not science. It's fantasy" (J.L. Wile, Ph.D.).
12) The fact that evolution was once used as support for the belief that Blacks (or others) are less than highly-evolved humans. "Darwin was also convinced that the Europeans were evolutionarily more advanced than the black races" (Steven Rose, author). He also "reasoned that males are more evolutionarily advanced than females" (B. Kevics, author).
13. The first and second laws of thermodynamics point clearly to a Creator, since things undergo entropy rather than get more orderly over time.
14. "Radiometric techniques may not be the absolute dating methods that they are claimed to be. Age-estimates on a given geological stratum by different radiometric methods are often very different. There is no absolutely reliable long-term radiological clock. The uncertainties inherent in radiometric dating are disturbing to geologists and evolutionists." William D. Stansfield, Ph.D., Instructor of Biology, California Polytechnic State University.
15. "Even total rock systems may be open during metamorphism and may have their isotopic systems changed, making it impossible to determine their geologic age." Prof. Gunter Faure (Department of Geology, The Ohio State University, Columbus.)
16 a). At current rates of erosion the amount of sea-floor sediments actually found do not support a "billions of years" age for the Earth.
b) The amount of Sodium Chloride in the sea, also, is a small fraction of what the "old Earth" theory would postulate.
c) The Earth's magnetic field is decaying too fast to extrapolate a long age for the Earth.
d) The rate of accumulation of Moon-dust has been measured; and the amount of dust on the Moon was found to be vastly less than what scientists had predicted before the Moon-landings.
See: Problems in Evolutionary astronomy
And: Evidence of a young Earth
e) Helium is generated by radioactive elements as they decay. The escape of this helium into the atmosphere can be measured. According to the Evolutionary age of the Earth there should be much more helium in the atmosphere, instead of the 0.05% that is actually there. The only way around this is to assume that helium is escaping into space. But for this to happen, the helium atoms must be moving at above the escape velocity, of 24,200 miles per hour. The usual speed of helium atoms is only 5,630 mph. A few atoms travel much faster than the average, but still the amount of helium escaping into space is only about 1/40th the amount entering the atmosphere.
This is an unsolved problem, concerning which the atmospheric physicist C.G. Walker stated: "There appears to be a problem with the helium budget of the atmosphere." Another scientist, J.W. Chamberlain, said that this helium accumulation problem "… will not go away, and it is unsolved."
Also see:
God's wisdom seen in His creations
The number of individuals an environment can sustain for indefinite period of time is called its?
carrying capacity. It represents the maximum population size that can be supported by the available resources in that environment without causing degradation or depletion.
What are the four steps of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection and examples?
- Variation: Individuals within a population have differences in traits. (Example: Variation in beak size among Galapagos finches)
- Inheritance: Some of these traits are heritable and can be passed down from parents to offspring. (Example: Offspring inheriting their parent's eye color)
- Selection: Certain traits may provide a reproductive advantage, leading to increased survival and reproduction. (Example: Camouflaged moths surviving better in a polluted environment)
- Time: Over successive generations, these advantageous traits become more common in the population, driving evolutionary change. (Example: Giraffes evolving longer necks to reach taller trees for food)
How Groups of organisms change over time?
Groups of organisms change over time through the process of evolution, driven by factors such as natural selection, genetic variations, and environmental changes. Over successive generations, advantageous traits are selected for, leading to the adaptation and diversification of species. This process results in the emergence of new species and the extinction of others, ultimately shaping the diversity of life on Earth.
What is the basis of evolution?
Evolution is based on the principles of genetic variation, natural selection, and adaptation. Genetic variation occurs through mutations and genetic recombination, leading to differences in traits among individuals. Natural selection acts on these variations, favoring traits that increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction, thus driving the process of adaptation over generations.
What is the potential evolutionary significance of heterospory?
Heterospory allows for the production of different types of spores specialized for different functions, which can increase reproductive success and adaptability in varying environmental conditions. It also allows for more efficient dispersal of genetic material and genetic variation in a population, leading to increased diversity and potentially enhancing the evolutionary potential of a species.
