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Evolution
The scientific theory according to which populations change gradually through a process of natural selection.
5,264 Questions
What is the rate of evolution?
The rate of evolution can vary greatly depending on factors such as population size, mutation rate, natural selection pressure, and environmental changes. In some cases, evolution can occur rapidly, leading to significant changes in a short period of time, while in other cases, it can be slow and gradual over millions of years.
What questions oppose evolution?
Answer 1
There are no serious questions in the scientific community that create a stumbling block for evolution by natural selection. One of the main sources of negative questions concerning evolution is that those who reject the idea, usually on religious grounds, think that evolution is a replacement for all aspects of Creation and therefore target, primarily, questions that Creation answers but that Evolution says nothing about.
Evolution by natural selection only asserts that each creature, even each sex within the same creature, and the general environment exerts a selection pressure on every other creature. These selection pressures will guide a species to center on a particular variant within the species best suited for the environment. That variant will then become the new base and the selection pressures will narrow again. Over millions of years, this will result in species going extinct completely or in one area and being replaced by a different but similar species. Eventually, this will result in creatures significantly different than the original creature.
Evolution does not deal with abiogenesis which is the idea that life can come from non-life. Evolution requires something to be living to be alive for it to work. Many people raise the question of abiogenesis, which has much less evidence than evolution in order to question evolution. However, since evolution does not deal with abiogenesis, the questions are irrelevant to evolution per se.
Evolution does not deal with early cosmology, the formation of the universe, or the formation of the solar system and Earth. Evolution is a biological theory, not a physics or cosmological theory. However, some individuals will ask, "If you believe in evolution, where did the Earth come from?" Evolution has no connection to that answer. It would be like asking, "If you believe that Jesus was resurrected after three days, why did Buddha need to starve himself for forty-nine days to receive revelation?" The two fields are irrelevant to one another.
[See the discussion section for more of a debate on some semantics about evolution.]
Answer 2
Although the prevailing opinion regarding origins has the majority of scientists in support, many of these acknowledge that there are a number of questions which remain unanswered regarding evolutionary theory. Most would agree that these questions, while unresolved, do not 'oppose evolution' but are merely unresolved questions. Noted atheist and evolutionist Richard Dawkins in an interview about his book "The Greatest Show on Earth" referred to four of his favourite "unsolved mysteries" as follows:
1. The origin of life- "That is a complete mystery" he said.
2. The origin of sex.
3. The origin of consciousness.
4. The rise of morality.
(source: Boyle, A., The not-so- angry evolutionist, 14th October 2009)
The evolutionist G A Kerkut defined what is called the 'general theory of evolution' (GTE) as 'the theory that all the living forms in the world have arisen from a single source which itself came from an inorganic form.' Dawkins, as mentioned above, (as do many other evolutionists) regard this issue as one that remains to be solved. Some evolutionists try to suggest that the origin of life issue is not connected with evolution at all. However, this has not generally been so from Darwin himself onwards.
Evolutionist Gordy Slack states on this issue, "I think it is disingenuous to argue that the origin of life is irrelevant to evolution. It is no less relevant than the Big Bang is to physics or cosmology. Evolution should be able to explain, in theory at least, all the way back to the very first organism that could replicate itself...And to understand that organism fully, we would simply have to know what came before it. And right now we are nowhere close." (Slack,G What neo-creationists get right-an evolutionist shares lesson's he's learned from the intelligent design camp, The Scientist, 20 June 2008).
Other scientists highlight the following issues which remain to be addressed:
1. Information Theory (i.e. biological information): Living things contain masses of information encoded in their DNA, as well as the code-reading mechanism, together with the epigenetic code which controls gene expression. Dawkins in The Blind Watchmaker (p115) stated There is enough information capacity in a single human cell to store the Encyclopedia Brittanica, all 30 volumes of it, three or four times over." In The Greatest Show on Earth (page 405) Dawkins states, "The difference between life and non-life is a matter not of substance but information. Living things contain prodigious quantities of information.
An intelligent message always requires an intelligent sender. This would appear to be simply impossible through random unguided naturalistic means. Computer simulations where evolutionists control the result through their intelligent input and produce a result supposedly showing evolution can happen are far removed from the real world due to the unrealistic scenarios favourable to their outcome.
2. Mutations: do not create new Genetic information necessary for microbes to man evolution to work. For a dinosaur to change into a bird would require an incredible amount of new DNA to be written into its genome. Mutations are shown universally in science to be harmful in terms of the information content. Where an organism benefits from a mutation there is still no increase in information but often a loss. Dawkins himself when asked could not give one single example of an information-adding mutation.
3. Natural Selection considered to be a mechanism of evolution can only select from what is already there (and there often is a high degree of adaptability in the genome of various species e.g. all the different dog breeds but still all dogs). Nothing new is ever created by natural selection, as shown by the modern science of genetics, developed since Darwin's time. As someone aptly stated -natural selection may explain survivalof the fittest, but it doesn't explain arrival of the fittest.
4.Genetic Entropy- although estimates vary (some higher some lower) human geneticists generally agree that the human genome is accumulating around 100 new mutations per person per generation. These mutations are too small to produce measurable effects and so are not 'weeded out' by natural selection. Geneticists also note the 100's of mendelian genetic disorders in mankind. These figures also suggest strongly that mankind should not exist at all if it as old as postulated.
How does flagella relate to an amusement park?
The presence of a flagellum on some microscopic life is like an amusement park ride in that
For the ride:
- Some folks like to take a ride on it as proof of something inexplicable even a demonstrable miracle (They weren't killed.)
- They then dare engineers or scientists to do the same
- They say to the engineers or scientists "This is sooo scary you'll wish you never tried it!"
- When the engineers or scientists ride it they come back unexcited.
- They show the first group how physics and math are used to calculate the speed, banking of the curves and angles to prevent any real danger to the riders.
- They discuss safety factors and risk.
- The first group look blankly at the science and say "It was a miracle we weren't all killed!"
- They then turn to the next ride and say "What about this one? Its is sooo scary you'll wish you never tried it!"
For the flagellum:
- Creationists like to use the flagellum as proof of something inexplicable even a demonstrable miracle (irreducible complexity)
- They then dare evolutionists to do the same.
- They say to the evolutionists "This is sooo scary you'll wish you never tried it!"
- When the evolutionists examine it they come back unexcited.
- They show the creationists how genetics and evolution are used to explain the development of the flagellum from existing components of other creatures.
- They discuss mutation and adaptation .
- The creationists look blankly at the science and say "It was a miracle, we'd rather die than admit you're right. "
- They then turn to the next organ, perhaps an eye, and say "What about this one? It is sooo scary you'll wish you never tried it!"
Do scientist know the exact rate of evolution?
Yes and no.
Mutation rates are different in different organisms, and are also dependent on how long a generation is and whether the organism reproduces asexually or sexually.
There's no exact rate, but at least in humans, thanks to genetic markers, we can estimate that humans all descended from the San, in Africa about 150,000 years ago.
What is the study that can provide evidence of evolution?
The study of comparative anatomy and embryology can provide evidence of evolution by showing similarities in structures across different species, suggesting a common ancestry. Fossil records and molecular genetics can also provide evidence by tracing the evolution of species over time and showing genetic relatedness between different organisms.
Evolution in action refers to the ongoing process by which species change over time in response to their environment, leading to the emergence of new traits and adaptations. This can be observed through examples such as antibiotic resistance in bacteria, the development of new species in isolated populations, or the selective breeding of domestic animals.
The scientific method uses observations and wich other process to answer questions?
Observations, erecting a hypothesis, and then experimentation to answer questions in science.
What evidence does Wheatley provide that Africans may be redeemed?
Wheatley argues that Africans possess intelligence, creativity, and artistic talents that demonstrate their capacity for redemption. She emphasizes their ability to excel in education and literature as proof of their potential for cultural and intellectual enrichment. Additionally, Wheatley's own success as a poet and her recognition by prominent figures in society serve as evidence of African capabilities and potential for redemption.
Does fungi and plants both have a necules?
Yeah, everybody does except the Eubacteria and some Archaea, which is a totally different domain, anyway. The fungi, the plants, and the animals belong to the Domain Eukaryota, meaning we're mostly all made up of multiple cells (but some of us aren't), our cells have nuclei, and we've got membrane bound organelles.
Is it possible to believe in theistic evolution and still believe in the Bible?
Yes, it is possible. It is no longer possible to believe literally in the Genesis creation accounts, but they can still be accepted for their religious and symbolic meaning. In fact, attempting to maintain literal belief in the Genesis creation accounts could arguably be considered an exercise in self-delusion.
For more information, please visit: http://christianity.answers.com/theology/the-story-of-creation
Ardi was an omnivore. He ate plants, meat, and fruit. He didn't eat hard food such as nuts and tubers.
What events caused australopithecus' adaptation from tree dwellers to bipedalism?
No individual events cause adaptation or evolution.
Animals do not consciously adapt to their environment. Adaptations come about through mutant variations, most of which are detrimental. However, occasionally a mutation will be beneficial and allow the creature to survive more easily. Such a creature has more chances to procreate and pass on the successful mutation or gene.
A gas-evolution reaction is a reaction that results in the formation of a gas.
Evolution is a scientific theory because it provides a well-supported explanation for the diversity of life on Earth based on observable evidence from fields like biology, genetics, geology, and paleontology. The theory of evolution has been tested and confirmed through numerous scientific studies and continues to be refined as new evidence emerges. In scientific terms, a theory is an explanation that has been rigorously tested and supported by multiple lines of evidence, not just a guess or hypothesis.
What does Darwin propose as his mechanism for evolution?
Gradual changes via an unknown (at that time) mechanism, with natural selection weeding out individuals lacking specific adaptations.
So, for instance... every so often we get hairless skinny bears. Well, heck, that's not pretty. And if the weather gets colder, then naturally they get "selected" out - meaning the poor unfuzzy bears don't tend to survive the colder winters in sufficient numbers cmopared to the fat hairy bears.
Why are point mutations harmless?
Not all are that harmless. Sickle cell disease is a point mutation. A missense mutation can be harmful, but substituting one purine base for another, or having the same type of amino acid, hydrophobic to hydrophobic for instance, made is not harmful.
Evolution refers to the process by which living organisms change and evolve over time through processes such as natural selection, genetic drift, and mutation. It explains how species adapt to their environment and how biodiversity arises.
Facts against gene-based evolutionary theory?
Some arguments against gene-based evolutionary theory include criticisms of the idea that genetic changes are the sole driver of evolution, the role of non-genetic factors such as epigenetics and environmental influences, and challenges to the assumption that all biological traits can be solely attributed to genes. Critics also question the reductionist approach of focusing solely on genes without considering the broader context of organisms and their interactions with the environment.
What is the Study of human evolution is called?
Paleoanthrology is the study of ancient human hominids.
How is natural selection important?
Natural selection is important because it is the process by which species adapt to their environment over time, leading to the survival of the fittest individuals with advantageous traits. It plays a key role in shaping and driving evolution by enabling organisms to become better suited to their ecological niche, ultimately increasing their chances of survival and reproduction.
How did the animals come into being?
This has been a long term debate for many, many years between those who believe in God, and those who believe in evolution.
According to those who believe in creationism (God), they believeall animals, as well as humans, plants, minerals, etc. were created by God when He created the earth and all that's on it.
According to those who believe in evolution, they believe animals, as well as all of the above evolved over millions of years. They believe that animals evolved as the temperatures and climates changed, which enabled them to survive these changes.
