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Introduction to Evolution
The study of evolution has dominated the field of biology for over a century. Explaining why the life we see is as it is fascinating to scientists and non-scientists alike. Thanks to this fascination several questions often come up about evolution; this primer contains some FAQs, key facts, and educational links on evolution.
Key terms
Genome – the entire genetic sequence in an organism
Genotype – the entire complement of genes in an organism
Allele – a version of one gene (genes can have multiple versions)
Gene – sequence of DNA that codes for a protein
Mutation – alteration in the DNA sequence
Phenotype – the entire complement of physical traits shown by an organism (created by the interaction of biology and environment)
What is evolution?
Evolution is the change over time of inheritable traits within a population, the study of evolution looks into...
Evolution is the process by which species of organisms change over time through the passing on of genetic traits from parent to offspring. It is the fundamental concept of biology that explains the diversity of life on Earth.
Evolution occurs through the process of natural selection, where organisms with beneficial traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to their offspring. Over time, these small changes accumulate and can result in new species.
There is a vast amount of evidence that supports the theory of evolution, including the fossil record, anatomical similarities between different species, and genetic similarities between organisms. Additionally, the observation of natural selection in action and the ability to artificially select for certain traits in domesticated animals further support the theory.
The word "theory" in the scientific context does not mean a mere guess or speculation. In science, a theory is a well-supported and widely accepted explanation for a natural phenomenon, backed up by evidence. Evolution is considered a theory because it has been extensively tested and supported by a wide range of evidence.
No, evolution is not a belief system or a statement on the existence of a higher power. It is a scientific theory that explains the diversity of life on Earth. Many religious groups accept evolution as a scientific fact and see it as compatible with their beliefs. The concept of a higher power or deity is outside the scope of scientific inquiry and cannot be proven or disproven by evolutionary theory.