Just want to know what everyone here, in the Religion and Spirituality section, believes is the right answer.
2007-04-18 17:29:57 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Evolution is the sum of random mutations which, when influenced by the external environment, results in a non-random change.
So to answer your question, yes and no.
2007-04-18 17:35:57 · answer #1 · answered by S1LK 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What do you mean by "Evolution is random"? What aspect of evolution are you saying is random? Are you referring to the mechanics of it (selection pressure acting on random mutations), the results of it (random changes in organisms)?
PS: the good of the species view has been replaced by the gene's eye view of evolution a la Dawkins and Selfish Gene.
2007-04-19 12:50:37 · answer #2 · answered by Beng T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mutations are random, but the overall process is directed, because only those random changes beneficial to a species are selected for incorporation into its genotype.
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2007-04-19 00:43:10 · answer #3 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. Natural selection is a probabilistic process based on semi-random changes. In other words, the limit to the changes in DNA is restricted.
2007-04-19 00:41:12 · answer #4 · answered by novangelis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Evolution? No. Natural selection is not random, it is extremely predictable. Mutations are random. Mutations are the driver, natural selection is the differentiator.
2007-04-19 00:33:17 · answer #5 · answered by eri 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
As I understand it, mutations occur at the DNA level, and these express themselves normally. This is random.
Those individuals with favorable traits given by these mutations persist and replicate. This is not random.
I am the God of the Sun, I don't concern myself with mutations very much, but I do wish you the best, mortal.
2007-04-19 00:37:15 · answer #6 · answered by Ra 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. Evolution makes use of randomization, but the process itself is anything but random.
2007-04-19 00:33:13 · answer #7 · answered by WWTSD? 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Evolution is not random.
2007-04-19 00:33:31 · answer #8 · answered by Ben 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, pascal.
Evolution is driven by environment. Don't try to get the answer you want by being simplistic, please.
If you want the Truth.....Ask a Pagan.
2007-04-19 00:47:21 · answer #9 · answered by Terry 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the Mutations are random but not the natural selection itself.
2007-04-19 00:33:35 · answer #10 · answered by Oh Noes Communism! 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋