Whether you agree with it or not, can you define the basics of the theory of evolution?

Question

I've noticed a lot of people who don't agree with the theory of evolution (and a number who do) don't seem to have a basic grasp of what biological evolution actually is.

In a few sentences, can you summarize the essential basic ideas behind the theory of evolution?

Keep in mind you don't have to agree with a theory to understand what it says... but you do have to understand a theory before you can make an intelligent choice about it.

It's a complex subject, so it may take more than a couple of words. But I'm looking for the idea, not examples or opinions.

Answer 1

Evolutionary theory states that species develop because of the combination of random genetic mutations and natural selection of those mutations that allow succeeding generations of creatures to better survive in an ever-changing environment.

In other words, every genetic duplication contains some errors. Most of those errors are irrelevant or harmful, but occasionally one comes along that provides an advantage for survival in a challenging environment. Those creatures that have such an advantage are more likely to reproduce and create the next generation, which will also have the advantageous mutation. This takes place repeatedly over billions of years, and ever changing environments. You end up with a planet full of a variety of species.

It's amazingly cool.

- {♂♂} - {♂♀} - {♀♀} -

Answer 2

Some say Evolution is so simple. Then a Creationist takes that definition provided by Darwin and gives a rebuttal.

Afterwards the Creationist is told he is an uneducated buffoon because he does not accept this HIGHLY COMPLICATED theory.

Those who defend this truly simple and absurd theory change the definition as the need arises.

Darwin believed that over a vast amount of time small changes would take place based upon natural selection that would produce new species.

That is the most absurd theory every developed by man. Yeah, Rats can take over an island killing all other forms of animal life. When the food supply is depleted, they will begin eating each other so that only those who have adapted best will survive.

But that is the end of the story. Darwin and Evolutionists propose that given enough time the Rats will actually change at the DNA level and become something else.

How absurd is this? No evidence of this type of evolution has ever been produced, scrutinized by proponents and antagonists of the theory alike, and then been given a seal of approval.

What further discredits the cheap theory is the level of fraud in attempts to "prove" the theory.

Answer 3

Natural selection (survival of the fittest) acting upon beneficial mutations (copying errors in the genetic code) over millions of years; all living things are modified descendants of a common ancestor that lived in the distant past.

But, from what I've seen, I have to agree with Timothy Wallace: “A major reason why evolutionist arguments can sound so persuasive is because they often combine assertive dogma with intimidating, dismissive ridicule towards anyone who dares to disagree with them. Evolutionists wrongly believe that their views are validated by persuasive presentations invoking scientific terminology and allusions to a presumed monopoly of scientific knowledge and understanding on their part. But they haven’t come close to demonstrating evolutionism to be more than an ever-changing theory with a highly questionable and unscientific basis. (The situation isn’t helped by poor science education generally. Even advanced college biology students often understand little more than the dogma of evolutionary theory, and few have the time [or the guts] to question its scientific validity.)”

Answer 4

Well hopefully I can some it up pretty well, if not then I must hit the books. But basically, the idea is that the Big Bang (or some other necessary catastrophic force) caused the creation of the galaxy. Of course earth is apart of this galaxy is earth, and over the course of billions upon billions of years things such as atmosphere and water emerged on earth. After this the first lifeforms emerged as bacteria, since earth's environment had now become conducive to bearing life. Bacteria eventually resulted in hire lifeforms like algae, algae lead to plants so on and so forth to the point where all organisms derived from an orgasm that was lower than it in terms of complexity. However, none of this occurred over night and a lot of different mutations happened to lead us to variety of organism that we see today and may lead to new and different lifeforms tomorrow. God willing that wasn't to bad a synopsis of evolution.

Answer 5

That life began eons ago from a single cell. Then through small adaptations to the environment different forms of life developed. Eventually (I am skipping a lot about fish getting feet and such) there was a primate, from that primate, lemurs, monkeys, apes, and eventually hominids developed, eventually the hominids became humans. Humans did not form directly from apes, rather both developed from a common ancestor.

I know I missed a lot, but you asked for the basics. I don't believe it, but I did study about it. My kids learn about it in homeschool too, they also learn about the SCIENTIFIC evidence against it. There are a lot of steps I left out, for instance I know that a fish-like creature eventually crawled out of the water and from that we (supposedly) ended up with land animals, but then some of those land animals decided to return to the water, which is why we have whales, dolphins, and other aquatic mammals. There are many other details I left out, but I didn't want to write a book.

I also am aware of the role of genetic mutations, I just failed to mention it on the spot.

Answer 6

Yes.

Darwin's Theory of Evolution states that living things adapt to their environment and those most able to survive will pass on positive traits to their offspring.

Answer 7

How Evolution Flunked the Science Test
http://www.bibleexplorations.com/html/article12

Answer 8

Sexual reproduction creates variation in offspring. Those offspring which survive to breed pass on the variations they have. Other variations do not get passed on. Thus the population changes over the generations.

Answer 9

cell starts cell divides cell has flagella cell turns into fish,fish adapts turns into other fishes. Fishes grow legs crawl onto shore where after millions of years of adaptation turn into ape-man...too long I know,to far fetched,completely! Why I believe in creator and his Son Jesus to far fetched?

Answer 10

Charles Darwin did it back in the 1800's. Read his book Origins of Species. It's very basic.