what is the theory of evolution
Evolution states that organisms change gradually over time and with varying conditions.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution
http://earlyhumans.mrdonn.org/evolution.html
The theory of evolution is the scientific understanding that species of organisms evolve over time through a process known as natural selection. It was first proposed by Charles Darwin in his book "On the Origin of Species" in 1859. The theory of evolution explains how different species are related and how they have changed and diversified over billions of years.
To understand the theory of evolution, one can start by learning about the basic principles and concepts involved:
1. Descent with Modification: All organisms are believed to have descended from a common ancestor. Over time, they have undergone modifications, leading to the diversity of life we observe today.
2. Natural Selection: The driving force behind evolution is natural selection. It is the process by which certain traits or characteristics become more or less common in a population over generations, depending on their impact on survival and reproduction. Individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on those traits to future generations.
3. Variation and Adaptation: Within a population, there is genetic variation that arises through mutations, genetic recombination, and other mechanisms. Some of these variations confer advantages in adapting to the environment, enabling individuals to survive and reproduce more successfully.
4. Gradualism and Speciation: Evolution occurs gradually through the accumulation of small changes over long periods. Over time, populations may diverge to the point where they can no longer interbreed, leading to the formation of new species.
To fully comprehend the theory of evolution, it is recommended to study a variety of resources such as textbooks, scientific journals, and educational websites which provide detailed explanations, examples, and evidence supporting the theory.