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16 Definitions

Evolution

For Evolution we have terms and definitions in 16 topics. The topics are Anthromorphemics, Anthropology, Atheism, Biodiversity, Biology, Classic Yoga, Earth Science, Educational, Evolution, Global History, Nature, New Age, Oceanography, Physical Geography, Science And Religion and Sociology.



Evolution (Anthromorphemics)

The process by which small but cumulative changes in a species can, over time, lead to its transformation; may be divided into two categories


Evolution (Anthropology)

The process by which small but cumulative changes in a species can, over time, lead to its transformation; may be divided into two categories: physical evolution (adaptive changes in biological makeup) and cultural evolution (adaptive changes in thought and behavior).


Evolution (Atheism)


Biological evolution is, strictly, change in allele frequency in a population of organisms over time. For the layman, that means any change in the average distribution of traits in a breeding group of organisms of the same species over time. It is important to be careful when one speaks about "evolution:" oftentimes, many people try to argue against the theory of common descent, a given paleontological model, speciation, abiogenesis, or any number of other topics, and mistakenly believe they are arguing against the process of evolution. However, given the definition supplied above, evolution is, simply, a demonstrable, repeatable scientific fact, and is not particularly contestable. The topics mentioned above are all fairly well supported scientifically, but that is not particularly salient, as the fact of evolution depends upon none of them for its validity.
One of the common misconceptions about evolution is that it is a random process. While individual cases are unpredictable, the overall patterns are not. In this way, evolution can be seen as a version of the "chaos game," a mathematical exercize which demonstrates a basic principle: if you feed random inputs through a system with regular rules, then predicatable large-scale patterns can arise despite the unpredictability of the inputs. In the chaos game, random inputs determine where to plot a point relative to three vertices. The system, when repeated infinitely, forms the fractal pattern known as Sierpinski's Triangle, with a probability of 1.0. Similarly, evolution could be seen as a version of the same principle, in which unpredictable mutations and other genotype changes are the inputs, the rules include principles such as natural selection and the founder effect, and the resulting genotypes are the output. Not suprisingly, the system does produce roughly predictable results: ecosystems geared toward continued survival, structures that are constantly in a process of gradual refinement, structures modified from existing structures for new purposes, the gradual elimination of vestigal organs, et cetera.
For further reading:
* Darwin, Charles: On the Origin of Species
* Dawkins, Richard: The Blind Watchmaker


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Evolution (Biodiversity)

The process of change in the traits of organisms or populations over time. Evolution, through the process of natural selection, can lead to the formation of new species.


Evolution (Biology)

  1. Changes that occur within populations and organisms that make individuals able to adapt to their external environment.


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Evolution (Classic Yoga)

Doubtless, many will disparage an indication about the continuous evolutionary process of all that exists. Yet even from the point of view of all scientists this process of perfectment is undeniable. Only the ignorant can attempt to hold everything back in a motionless state. (BR, 535)
see also Involution and Evolution


Evolution (Earth Science)

The theory that living organisms mutate and change, generally from simple to increasingly complex forms.


Evolution (Educational)

The theory of evolution holds that a one-celled organism spontaneously emerged from steaming, nutrient-rich seas about 3.5 billion years ago, and that increasingly varied and complex organisms developed through such processes as genetic mutation. Over time, unforgiving environments killed the weaker members of each species—and sometimes the entire species—in favor of better-suited ones. Scientists say evidence supporting the theory of evolution includes fossil records, the existence of similar structures in different animals, and the fact that all living things share similar biochemistry. They say the theory of evolution is not only scientifically valid—it is the unifying theory of biology.


Evolution (Evolution)

Darwin defined this term as "descent with modification." It is the change in a lineage of populations between generations. In general terms, biological evolution is the process of change by which new species develop from preexisting species over time; in genetic terms, evolution can be defined as any change in the frequency of alleles in populations of organisms from generation to generation.


Evolution (Global History)

The biological theory that, over time, changes occurring in plants and animals, mainly as a result of natural selection and genetic mutation, result in new species. (p. 6)


Evolution (Nature)

A process of change in a particular direction


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Evolution (New Age)

In the process of formation or growth; development. In process of gradual peaceful progressive change and development as in a social or economic structure.


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Evolution (Oceanography)

The theory that animals and plants develop over generations through a process of gradual and continuous change.


Evolution (Physical Geography)

Is a process by which species come to possess genetic adaptations to their environment. Its mechanism is natural selection. It also requires genetic mutations.


Evolution (Science And Religion)

The development of a species from its original to its present state; the theory that all species developed from earlier forms. p.154


Evolution (Sociology)

The change of biological organisms by means of the adaptation to the demands of the physical environment. Organisms that successfully adapt pass on their genes to future generations thereby changing the species itself.




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