What Really Is Evolution?

Many People think that evolution was that primates changed into humans over time. That
is not the case. Evolution is when a species evolves over time into a different species. Evolution
is not just between primates and humans, but any species can evolve. People think that evolution
is just between primates and humans because they have not done enough research to truly
understand what evolution is all about. So, what really is considered Evolution?
We cannot be positive if evolution really happened, but we can see evidence that it might
have happened. For example, scientists have found through tests that humans and primate have
almost 99% the same DNA structure. This means that there is a really good chance that we were
once primates. Scientists have researched and found that humans and primates share the same
ancestor, as well. Also, humans and primates look similar. For example, our spine is built the
same way, we can walk on two legs, and we have the same hands. But, primate to human is not
the only kind of evolution out there. You may ask, How was there evolution, didnt God create
us how we are today? I am not saying that God didnt create us like we are today, but scientists
have found evidence that primates evolved into humans. For example, Scientists have found
fossils of primates that had evolved at certain levels depending on how deep the fossil is in the
ground. The earth is like a time capsule. The lower in the ground something is the farther in the
past the fossil is. That way scientists can find how long ago a fossil of a species was buried. By
looking at fossils from different times scientists and archeologists can see the evolution of the
species over time. Also, they can see how long it took for the species to evolve up to the modern
day.
There are two types of evolution, natural and artificial selection. Natural selection is
when something evolves by a genetic mutation. For example, brown bears used to live in colder
parts of the world. Then, a genetic mutation occurred inside one and the bear turned white. Next,
that polar bear had cubs and some of its cubs were white. This happened through many
generations. Over time the species changed into white bears, or polar bears. Artificial selection is
when something evolves based on other species needs. For example, Dogs were once wolfs.
When our ancestors needed an animal to protect them and help them in their daily life they
turned to wolves. Some wolves were more aggressive than others, so they kept the less
aggressive wolves and killed the dangerous and aggressive wolves. This continues over time to
create the dogs that we have today. Natural and artificial evolution can occur in any species not
just bears and wolves. When humans evolved we were a product of natural selection. We use
artificial selection today, too. For example, we breed specific dogs to get a certain breed or
certain look of dogs. Artificial selection occurs today as well. Sometimes there is a mutation in a
species, but it doesnt normally expand to change the whole species.
You may have heard the term we are all related. Many people mean that we are all
related through Adam and Eve. That is not wrong, but we are also all related because our
ancestors started out as bacterium billions of years ago. Not just humans are related to each

other, but all species are related. Not just humans started out as bacterium, but all species were
bacterium billions of years ago. You may have heard that certain species are close relatives. That
was true. Bears, seals, and dogs are close carnivore relatives. You may be shocked too know that
cats and hyenas are relatives, but dont come from the same part of the tree as bears, seals, and
dogs even if they are all carnivores. Also, Scientists can understand the relatives of species using
fossils. For example, they have found fossils of snakes that had hip bones meaning that they once
had legs; this makes them look similar to lizards. This means that they are relatives; they are also
both reptiles so it makes sense for them to be related.
Natural and artificial selection is a big part of evolution. Natural and artificial selection
can change a species completely. For example, whales had front legs, back legs, and more
forward nostrils. When natural selection and evolution took its course whales started to have fins
instead of flippers, their legs started to disappear, and their nostrils started to go flat on their
faces. Natural selection happens at the evel of DNA and genes; these changes in genes and DNA
are called mutations. Organisms dont just evolve because of natural and artificial selection; they
can evolve by gene flow as well. Gene flow is when genes are transferred from one population to
another when an organism migrates. Also, genetic drift is another version of evolution. Genetic
drift is when the frequency of certain genes change at random times. Genetic drift can affect
evolution and how a species can change, too.
So, what really is evolution? Evolution is when any species of a plant, animal, or bacteria
changes over time by going through natural and artificial selection, gene flow, and genetic drift.
Though you may think that evolution is just about humans that had ancestors that were monkeys,
but through evidence we can see that the theory (that many people believe) is not true. I used to
believe that evolution is just that humans ancestors are monkeys, but after doing research and
writing this paper I have learn otherwise. That there is so much more to what evolution really is
and that people should research evolution before they decide if they think it is true or not. What
do you think evolution is?

Works Cited Page

1. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/09/human-evolution-101/

2. Cosmos A Space-time Odyssey

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http://facts.randomhistory.com/evolution-facts.html
http://www.kidzsearch.com/wiki/Artificial_selection
http://evolutionfaq.com/articles/five-proofs-evolution
http://www.livescience.com/474-controversy-evolution-works.html