Is the Theory of Evolution a fact?

Question

I speak of macroevolution, not microevolution (which is clear enough to anyone).

Answer 1

- Evolution (the process) itself is a fact. The Theory of Evolution is the theory that *explains* that fact. So no, the Theory of Evolution is not itself a fact.

But the noob mistake made by creationists is thinking that this somehow demotes evolution as a science by thinking this applies ONLY to evolution. The same terminology applies to ANYTHING in science. For example:

- Gravity itself is a fact. The theory of gravity is the theory that explains that fact. And so the Theory of Gravity is not iself a fact.

- Matter itself is a fact. The atomic theory of matter is the theory that explains that fact. And so the Atomic Theory of Matter is not itself a fact.

- Disease itself is a fact. The Germ Theory of Disease is the theory that explains that fact. And so the Germ Theory of Disease is not itself a fact.


And no it is NOT "clear enough to anyone" that you are talking about macroevolution not microevolution ... because no scientist uses those terms to make that distinction.

What creationists call 'microevolution' is just short-term evolution that changes an organism within the lifespan of an observer. But that very same process can cause 'macroevolution' (what scientists call 'speciation') if given enough time.

How does 'microevolution' produce 'macroevolution'? Like this:

1. Two subpopulations of a species become genetically isolated (by a migration, a river, a desert, a flood, drought, a lake drying into two, whatever).

2. The two isolated subpopulations undergo 'microevolution', which accumulates genetic differences.

3. With enough time, those genetic differences due to this 'microevolution' make the two subpopulations unable to interbreed. I.e. even if they do come into contact, and show desire to mate, the resulting offspring (if any) are stillborn or sterile.

4. Now unable to interbreed, they are officially two separate species (by definition of 'species'), and now *forever* genetically isolated. (They can never regain the ability to interbreed.)

5. Continued 'microevolution' makes them continue to diverge from each other. They become more and more different.

6. Hence, they are now two different species that continue to get more and more different (macroevolution).

And that is why 'macroevolution' is just 'microevolution' on a longer timescale.

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P.S. herodavid ... somebody needs to teach you how to read a dictionary. When there are many definitions under the same word, that does NOT mean that they are all equivalent and you get to pick any one that suits your agenda. The definition of "theory" when talking about science, is definition #1, and that's precisely why they gave Eintein's theory of relativity as an example ... the theory of evolution is another example. In science, it does NOT mean "merely a guess" (#7). If you think Einstein's theory of relativity, or the theory of evolution, is "merely a guess", then you underestimate both Einstein and Darwin.

Answer 2

Oh dear, Simon.

You have a lot of poor answers here. First of all you need to equip yourself to understand the reality - what do scientists mean by 'theory' is it a guess? a mere hypothesis? No its not.

We have a theory of gravitation, too but you don't see religious people saying God makes people fly around and objects float about when you're not watching.

A page which explains why evolution is a fact and a theory that describes it is this: http://www.stephenjaygould.org/library/gould_fact-and-theory.html

Pick up a textbook on evolution or read Darwin's Origin of Species, the selfish gene or something more academic. Good luck.

Answer 3

Law's are incorporated into many theories. The law of independent segregation is but a part of the chromosomal theory of inheritance. It is a fact that chromosomes segregate independently of one another, just as it is a fact that evolution is brought about by natural selection. The fine details/mechanisms of both are still being worked out, however in the scientific community there is no controversy whatsoever as to whether these theories are in the greater sense correct. Just so you know, violations of the law of independent segregation of chromosomes has been observed, although these have later been shown to be exceptions to the rule. Which brings us to something important to note, laws of nature are not always absolute. They are just overwhelmingly the norm. Theories attempt to explain and incorporate these laws and facts in a broader context, yet for almost everything out there exceptions exist, or can at least in principle.

Answer 4

It is a theory based on facts, but it is still a theory. Evolution is a gradual process and can be seen in everyday life, For example in common bacteria, bacteria undergo mutations very quickly, some of these mutations are actually advantageous. Take a bacteria that functions well in a normal medium, transfer the bacteria to an unstable environment, bacteria that aren't able to adapt die off while others undergo mutations and become successfully, those reproduce amongst each other and form an evolved group of bacteria able to withstand the new environment. This is evolution described in the simplest of forms it is actually a very precise and intricate process.

Answer 5

You are about to fall into a word-play trap on the word "theory" when it pertains to evolution. The definition of a theory in the scientific sense is not the same as the colloquial expression of what a theory is. What a scientist calls a theory is much more and stronger than some unsubstantiated wild-a** guess that happen to pop into a person's head, which is how the word "theory" is used in colloquial language.

To answer your question in a strict way, theory of evolution is a scientific theory, as are theory of gravity, theory of relativity, quantum theory and atomic theory. It is not a fact. If it is, it would be called a law by scientists.

Answer 6

the theory of evolution is not a fact, as scientists we say theory so as to enable this to be added to or proven wrong. The scientific evidence which has been gained do however back the theroy of evolution through Fossil records, geological studies and genetic studies. it may not be a perfect theory but at the moment it,s the best model we can come up with as technology increases so to will the evidence supporting this.

Answer 7

You have to define your terms theory and fact. It is clearly, using the most stringent definition of theory, a sound scientific theory. The underlying data -- the fossil record and genetic homology -- are facts. The mechanisms are facts. As it is a reconstruction, I would not qualify it as a fact, but if I were to loosen my definition of a fact, I might call it such.

ADDENDUM:
You received a dictionary definition with the classic lie. Evolution meets the stringent standards for definition 1. The unscrupulous will say that 1=7.

Answer 8

Actually, there is no difference between macro and micro evolution. Basically, if you believe in micro evolution, you also believe in macro evolution. Here is an example of many micro evolutions creating macro evolution.

Answer 9

think about what you asked and the difference between a fact and a theory.

you said is the THEORY of evolution a FACT?

well there is ur answer

Answer 10

I believe God created everything but the if you have heard of the Big Bang theory it will help you out on your question.