This essay should allow the students to reflect upon each of the themes in the chapters in Coynes’ book. It should include their reflections on their growing understanding of what Evolution is and what it isn’t. It should include their personal journey of discovery related to the concept of evolution. It should also include philosophical, theological, and sociological reflections as well as demonstrating a scientific understanding of evolution. Additionally, the student should critique and evaluate the ideas presented in the book, using their scientific understanding of the process of evolution.
The only source that can be used is …
Jerry A. Coyne. 2010. Why Evolution Is True. Penguin Books. ISBN-10: 0143116649 /ISBN-13: 978-0143116646
Solution
Is Evolution True?
THE TERM EVOLUTION
The literal meaning, of the term Evolution, is advancement/growth/development. However, when it’s used in a biological context, the term broadens exponentially. It no more suggests mere development, but rather the progress of life, on earth, in a random manner, rather than in a systematic manner. Humans believed, since the beginning of civilization/organized life, that life originated and progressed systematically under the divine influence. However, this universal perception challenged, when Charles Darwin suggested, based on his research on life on earth, that nature gave birth to live under particular/peculiar conditions, and the origin of life was not diverse, but common.
The use of the term became more diverse, its understanding deepened and broadened further. For instance, in the political arena, the evolution of the political notion meant refining of the concept in such manner that it dominated all other notions and concepts (political). Similarly, when used in a social context, it meant an improvement in society. In the context of industry and economy, the term implied advancement/maturity, by beating contemporaries. Therefore, Charles Darwin added a new understanding of the term.
In the context of biology, the term still means progress of life, using natural selection (survival of the fittest). Scientists assert that because of various technological advancements, life on earth has started to evolve in a new direction; nevertheless, it continues to progress. It implies that Evolution is an ever-occurring phenomenon, which is influenced primarily by environment/nature.
We learn that humans are attempting to influence the evolution, by technological means; however, such attempts have not produced any credible and desired results. Charles Darwin suggested, in Origin of Species, that nature is the only fact that the influences progress of life and the most adaptive of species survive the test of nature. This discourse, about term evolution, makes it very apparent that evolution is not just a term, but rather a comprehensive concept, a consequence of several theories about the origin and progress of life.
THE THEORY OF EVOLUTION (ORIGIN OF SPECIES)
The theory of evolution did exist, in one form or another, before Charles Darwin introduced it, in a very comprehensive manner, in his work Origin of Species. However, these theories were in very early stages, and they were not comprehensive. Darwin’s theory of evolution, which was based on the concept of Natural Selection, was more comprehensive and more contemporary. The evidence it provided was little, but it was quite convincing. To understand the validity of Darwin’s theory (about the origin and progress of life), we need to consider and examine the fact that since its introduction, the theory remained relevant to this time. In fact, it is the cornerstone of modern biology, and most of the scientists accept it as a scientific fact, rather than a very compelling theory that explains the origin of life and various stages of its evolution.
The crust of Darwin’s work, about evolution, is that the beginning of life, on earth, was humble and as the time progressed; life became more complex and evolved. For instance, a single organic molecule replicated and developed into a complex form, which diversified into different species. It suggests that all species, which are on earth, have a common origin and they diversified as the time stretched. Some forms of life, which were less adaptive, extinct; however, those, which could adapt, survived. Therefore, contemporary life (all species) is a consequence of natural changes and persistence of life (will/ability to survive).
It becomes quite evident from this theory that Darwin did not consider humans to be special, but rather a more complex form of evolution that developed the capacity to perform unusual functions. In this way, theory repudiates the assertion that humans and their traits are a consequence of divine intervention. These subtle and indirect assertions challenged the existing concepts and theories about the origin of life on earth and started a debate, regarding life, which only intensified with time (Coyne).
EVIDENCE IN FAVOR OF EVOLUTION
All scientific theories are based on evidence; but without evidence, no theory can survive for a long time. In fact, it is evidence that substantiates a scientific theory, without which it has no significance. Darwin’s theory was based on structural observation, and evidence (fossils). He observed extinction and appearance of species and an understanding that he relied on previous works, of scientists, who were studying transmutation (a classical understanding of evolution).
During his visit to the Canary Islands, he came across fossils of invertebrates. He immediately started examining these fossils and started to compare them with contemporary forms of these invertebrates.
In Argentina, he came across other fossils, of mammals extinct a long time ago. He learned that the contemporary life form of that extinct mammal (Armadillo) did not have an outer shell. These similarities, between the extinct and modern species, became the inspiration for his work, which developed into a comprehensive theory of evolution. Therefore, we can say that Darwin’s theory of evolution is based on actual and precise observation of fossils. Thus, evidently, in this regard, is fossils, which are naturally preserved by time.
From the study of the book, it is quite evident that the modern theory of evolution relies primarily on fossils. However, in addition to fossils, human DNA also reveals enormous information regarding the evolution of life. In the last 100 years, scientists have discovered various fossils that explain evolution in great detail. For instance, a fossil AL-288-1 explains evolution, and to an extent, it is considered the missing link between humans and other species.
We learn that evolution is millions of years old, which proposes that there must be millions of fossils to prove various stages of evolution. This general lacking of evolutionary intermediates is disturbing and casts doubt on the theory, which is the foundation of modern biology.
EVIDENCE AGAINST EVOLUTION AND THEORIES RELATED TO IT
Why Evolution Is True is produced with the intention to prove that evolution is not just a convincing theory, but rather a fact. Therefore, the general emphasis of the author, Jerry Coyne, is on evidence that is in favor of evolution. In the opening chapters of the book, Jerry Coyne explains evolution as a slow process, where changes start to occur at a very slow rate (gradualism). The author also asserts that humans have common ancestry, which means that the origin of all species is one. The genetic changes, over time, gave birth to diverse species and some of these species extinct, while others survived because of their ability. This argument subtly proposes that there are millions of fossils of evolutionary intermediates; however, despite enormous effort, scientists have found only very few such fossils, and the discovered fossils are not by any means a definitive proof.
Another challenge is regarding the understanding of Darwin himself. Darwin did not have an adequate understanding of genetics, which is why he could not have understood how various species arose. In fact, the entire theory of evolution put forth by Charles Darwin, based primarily on structural observations. Jerry too admits Darwin’s lack of understanding regarding genetics, which is essential to understand evolution, as evolution is, in fact, a very slow genetic change over the time.
The link, which the author tries to establish between different species, is sometimes only based on very apocryphal evidence. For instance, evolution claims that reptiles and mammals are associated because of amniotic egg. The fact is that Darwin’s theory of evolution was lacking, as per the claims of anti-evolutionists, and scientists revisited it many times to improve it. Also, some aspects of the theory of evolution repudiated or revised, which gave birth to Neo-Darwinism. However, the lack of fossils remains the strongest evidence against evolution, which the Creationists use against Darwinism.
CREATION THEORY
Before the surfacing of the Theory of Evolution, Creation Theory was used to explain the origin of life on earth. There was not a single or universal creation theory, but rather, several; however, all these creation theories had a lot in common. They were simple and based on the instant creation of species, by a deity. In pagan Europe, the creation theory was less developed, whereas, in Mesopotamian and sub-continent regions, the theory was more elaborated. However, when we study various creation theories, we find a common feature of instant creation. For instance, God created Adam and Eve in an instant, in His image. It suggests that in creation theories, neither humans evolved nor are they linked to other species on earth. In fact, in all major religions of the world, humans are presented as a special creation, which is created at a different place, where time does not exist.
The narrative that humans are created instantly, somewhere else, directly contradicts with classical and Neo-Darwinian theories, which assert that humans have a common and a humble beginning, and humans are not special as their origin and evolution associate with other species.
Like evolution theory, creation theory also relies on the fossils. For instance, creationists point out towards the lack of fossils to discredit evolution theory. Also, fossils, which are presented by evolutionists to prove their case are not fully accepted or acknowledged.
Creation theory is still the most widely accepted theory across the world, as religion is still a very relevant entity and more than half of the world population believes in God, in one form or another. Therefore, evolution is still a highly controversial and debated subject.
We must also acknowledge that the theory of evolution is complex and suggests that evolution is consequence several accidents, which is very hard for an ordinary person to accept. For instance, in the very beginning of the book, we learn that idea of Natural Selection is very hard to grasp.
HOW EVOLUTION UNDERMINES RELIGION?
Religion asserts that the universe and life came into existence as a consequence of divine acts. God created universe and life as per His will, and since then there has been no change in life and the universe. Evolution, on the other hand, asserts that the universe and life came into existence accidentally and they both evolved randomly. It is an indirect rejection of God and thus religion, which is why evolution undermines religion.
It aids us in understanding the strong response of the religious institutions when Darwin’s theory surfaced. Religious institutions believed that their relevance would depreciate exponentially if the theory were received warmly by a large section of society.
In modern times too, religion attacks the theory of evolution and casts doubt on its authenticity; however, it’s also a fact that some sections of religion have reconciled with evolution and attempted to understand religion’s creation narrative through evolution’s perspective. Nevertheless, to this very day, evolution continues to question religion and divine intervention.
We must also acknowledge that many evolutionists use evolution theory to undermine, deliberately, religion. Such attempts are very methodical and have very specific objectives, which are social-political. For instance, Richard Dawkins’ uses evolution as an instrument to undermine religion in his book Delusion of Go,
SOCIAL & CORPORATE IMPACT OF EVOLUTION
Theory of evolution has changed not only perspectives regarding life, but also it has brought seismic changes in the economy and industry. For instance, because of the survival of the fittest concept, the capitalist economy came into existence. Similarly, firms started to emphasize their capacity and structure to survive. In contemporary economic and corporate systems, which are global in structure and nature, only those firms survive that highly adaptive and can evolve. Evolution is a single most important factor, which ensures the survivability of a firm in very stern corporate and economic conditions. The term innovation is very similar to term evolution, and studies suggest that only innovative firms and industries survive in a post-industrial economy.
We must recognize that sense of morality is associated with culture and religion has a huge impact on cultural development. In many conservative societies, values are derived directly from religion. However, when evolution starts to influence social perceptions, societies start to undergo significant changes. These changes are usually subtle but lasting. One such example is of Europe, where the theory of evolution strongly influenced social and economic realms. Therefore, Europe underwent immense change and when we compare contemporary Europe with 18th century Europe, we find the stark difference between the two.
MY UNDERSTANDING OF EVOLUTION
Evolution is not an easy subject to grasp, as it made very clear by the writer in the opening chapters of the book. The concept of Darwinism, I learned, can be broken down into six components; 1) Evolution, 2) Gradualism, 3) Speciation, 4) Common Ancestry (common origin), 5) Natural Selection and 6) Non-selective mechanisms of evolutionary change. According to my understanding, developed by Darwinian Theory of life, evolution is a very slow process of genetic change, over time. The changes occur in DNA, which evidently differentiates contemporary species from its ancestors that existed millions of years ago. The evidence regarding it is almost adequate, which substantiates claims regarding gradual changes in species over a long period. These changes are called mutation. However, it’s also the fact that there is not great and credible evidence regarding mutation or genetic changes over time when there should be such evidence in bulk.
I have also learned that substantial changes occur gradually and they are very subtle. For instance, millions of years produce only minor changes (apparently) of great significance. Therefore, it is hard to observe any change since the beginning of civilization. I found it quite interesting that there were few examples of mutation. It is because fossils are not easy to discover. However, such fossils, of some species, are also found that are not different from the contemporary forms.
The splitting of genes is another phenomenon, which is fundamental to Darwinian evolution. It is also the reason species diversification. This presumption also rests on the genetic change in a random manner. It also suggests that all forms of life have a common origin.
What I have understood from the study of Darwinism (Darwinian Evolution) is that life appeared purely accidently because of the conducive conditions. The will to survive was always there; however, the capacity to undergo genetic change (unintentional) is a mystery. It is also quite evident that evolution is based on various accidents and it is random. Also, nature/environment strongly influences evolution. In fact, nature/environment gives direction to evolution.
The social and economical translation of Darwinian Theory has produced mixed results. For instance, it gave birth to Capitalism, which is considered a great economic system by many, but few also consider it predatory and heartless. It is because it is based on the concept survival of the fittest. It also has an adverse influence on society, as it systematically eradicates values and morality, which are essential for social stability and progress.
MY TAKE ON SEQUENCE OF ACCIDENTS
From the study of Darwinian Evolution, it is very apparent that life, on earth, is an accident and not only that, its development is also an accident. For any normal person, it is very difficult to accept that his existence and history is a consequence of a series of accidents. Humans have always considered themselves special and superior. Therefore, it is not is not easy for humans admit that all species have a common origin.
Also, their evidence in support of evolution is not only little but also apocryphal. For instance, the fossils, which Darwinists have found are not conclusive, but rather explanative. They support the theory of Evolution, but they are not definitive proof in favor of evolution. In fact, the lack of fossils, which are missing links between humans and other species are, when there should have many fossils of transitional species.
Furthermore, evolution fails to explain the extinction of a few species, which shows the discrepancies in the theory.
However, I also acknowledge that evidence regarding mutation or the genetic change is real and compelling. Therefore, it is very hard to reject, full, the evolution of theory. I also believe that evolution and religion can reconcile at a certain level, which is creation and evolution theories must not undermine one another. However, it’s also inevitable that creation and evolution theories would continue to compete and authenticity of these theories will depend primarily upon fossils (evidence).
Work Cited
Coyne, Jerry A. Why Evolution is True. Penguin Books, 2010.
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