Introducing 'Evolution'

What is Evolution?

Evolution has many different definitions ranging from the basic to the complex intricate details, evolution in its self is a definition explaining the mysteries of life and its progression throughout its existence.

Definition

By definition it means the process in which different kinds of living organisms are believed to have developed from earlier forms beginning from the dawn of life. Or in a more general sense, it is the gradual development of something.

Believed is underlined as there is still a lot of debate as to whether evolution is a theory or fact, this depends on your perspective, religion, research and your personal belief. It is important to remember this in order to keep an open mind regarding the subject. While there is little doubt that things can evolve, to the extent of which is still not confirmed.

Origin

The word evolution stems like most words evolved from Latin. Evolvere -> Evolutio (means unrolling). Resulting in the early 17th century English version Evolve -> Evolution.

Evolution of the Word

First record of the word 'evolve' was used to in describing 'wheeling' in reference to the position and movement of troops or ships. Later it progressed into the notion of 'opening out', giving it the start of its current sense 'development'.

What Even is Evolutionary Biology?

The phrase 'evolutionary biology' or 'evolutionary biologist' has been used a few times and I thought that todays post could take some time to explain what/ who they are, as well as the roles they play within science.

It is a subfield within biology, it aims to understand the diversity of life and the processes that produced the diversity, starting with the origin of life spanning to the present day.

It investigates the evolution of organisms especially in the areas of;

• Molecular and Microbial Evolution
• Behaviour
• Genetics
• Life Histories
• Development
• Systematics
• Morphology

Evolutionary Biology divides into smaller specialised fields;

• Taxonomy
• Palaeontology
• Ethology
• Genetics (population)
• Ecology

Each of these fields investigates evolution on two levels and two scales.

Population & Short Timescale (Microevolution)

How traits become specially adapted to particular survival jobs and reproduction. This process usually occurs quickly and quite short. Also including adaptive and neutral evolution.

Longer Timescale (Macroevolution)

This is the process which is believed to have produced the current diversity  and can been observed throughout the fossil records. It is a longer and slower process, including most of fossil history and systematics.