2007-04-24 18:50:25 · 15 answers · asked by dee 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Yes. Absolutely. The theory of natural selection is still the best theory there is that explains how evolution works in nature.
People seem to answer this question not even knowing what "Darwin's theory of evolution" MEANS.
It does NOT mean "Darwin's theory that evolution exists" ... That is neither a "theory" nor is it Darwin's. It is not a "theory" because nobody can dispute that evolution (which just means slow change in organisms as a response to environment) occurs ... so the *process* of evolution is not a "theory" (something that *explains*), but a FACT (something we observe that *needs explanation*). And it is not Darwin's idea because many people going back to the Greeks have recognized that animals in nature seem to change.
What it DOES mean is "Darwin's theory that explains *how* evolution occurs". That is natural selection ... the idea that variation + competition leads to some individuals creating more offspring than others. That's it.
[And again, people who focus on the word "theory" as if it means "a guess with no evidence" don't understand science at all. In science, the word "theory" just means "an explanation with evidence." EVERYTHING in science is "theory" and always will be ... the germ *theory* of disease, the *theory* that the earth moves around the sun, the atomic *theory* of matter, plate tectonic *theory* of geology, quantum *theory*, the *theory* of relativity. All accepted with high confidence by scientists ... and all still called "theories" and always will be.]
Sure Darwin made some minor mistakes with some details, and yes the mechanics of genetics had not yet been discovered. But these things do not "invalidate" the core of the theory of natural selection one bit. In fact, the discovery of genetics *solidified* the exact mechanisms by which Darwinian natural selection occurs.
What we now call "neo-Darwinism" is just Darwinism + population genetics. It is not an invalidation of Darwinism, but an *expansion* of it. It doesn't weaken Darwinism, it dramatically *strengthens* it.
(What are they teaching in high schools these days??)
2007-04-25 04:41:53 · answer #1 · answered by secretsauce 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Darwin's theory of evolution is no longer considered valid but parts of his theory are. His basic idea of evolution through natural selection is the basis of the current view of evolution; however, most of Darwin's theory has been disproven. For example, Darwin wrote his theory without an understanding of genetics.
2007-04-25 02:21:45 · answer #2 · answered by gerafalop 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
It depends how people believe the Earth was formed. But for those who don't believe that God created Earth or through any other way other than evolution then yes, Darwin'es theory does exist. Survival of the fittest applies everyivewhere in life really if you think about it. The stronger organisms/ the ones with better adaptations survive for a longer period of time and havemore advantages. In the real world with humans, people who are better oriented or are better in a particular career get the higher pay, the better jobs, better oppurtunities, and more advantages then others.
2007-04-24 20:03:11 · answer #3 · answered by Diamond 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No. Theories change. We have Darwin's theory that adapted to the discoveries of modern science.
But as for evolution. He got the some stuff right. Don't believe me? Then don't believe in medicine, because that's full of Darwinism, right there.
2007-04-24 18:53:25 · answer #4 · answered by allenrubink 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Well actually it was his theory of evolution by natural selection.
Apart from some things like puncutated equilibira and genetic inheritance its still a pretty good theory that helps explain a lot of stuff.
2007-04-24 19:39:53 · answer #5 · answered by mareeclara 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
As an encompassing explanation of the development of life on Earth, I would say the answer is no. It may offer an explanation of certain aspects, but in general I find it somewhat devoid of solid scientific thinking.
2014-07-05 22:02:25 · answer #6 · answered by Paul D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most defiantly! It is still survival of the fittest, but its so much more than physical evolution, it is also an emotional evolution. People that can work with others in this global economy are the ones who will survive. We need to get past our old prejudices and work together, like star trek man. Serious, we are having to adapt from a physical lifestyle to a sedentary one, and how many people are dying from obesity now, they are not adapting! Change is constant, I love it!
2007-04-24 18:57:36 · answer #7 · answered by sioais 1 · 1⤊ 4⤋
It explains the changes we see in biological history.
Do you see a strong connnection between evolution and your real life? I'm having a hard time with that.
Many people still need spirituality, because evolution doesn't explain YOUR personal life.
2007-04-24 20:39:34 · answer #8 · answered by flip33 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You said it, now listen to yourself
Darwin's theory is only a Theory, and was always only a Theory, and has never, or was never valid or true.
Theory's are only valid once they have been proved to be fact.
Darwin's Theory is not fact but fiction.
2007-04-24 19:09:25 · answer #9 · answered by Thoughtfull 4 · 0⤊ 5⤋
Parts, others are on shaky grounds.
2007-04-24 18:52:35 · answer #10 · answered by amish_renegade 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋