Reflection on Evolution
Evolution is a crucial concept that has been subjected to different research. Many scholars, both local and international, have contributed to expanding the aspect of evolution. Charles Darwin is one of the personalities who is credited for his enormous work in the field of evolution. Charles Darwin developed the approach of Darwinism that described a lot of information regarding developmental processes. Darwin argued that all species went through a process of evolution that means that they changed from simple cells to a complex subject (Coyne, 2010). Therefore, the theory of evolution is mainly based on naturalist’s methodologies. The modification is a fundamental factor that is integrated into evolution theories. For instance, change is seen as an inevitable issue in the human environment since organisms respond to transformations based on time factor. The ideology of natural selection also takes the central stage in evolution (Zimmer, Emlen, & Perkins, 2013). For example, the limited resources that are present in the environment promote variation in society since the survival of every animal is based on their fitness. Therefore, it is essential to understand the fact that the environment supports the growth and development of every organism because it contains features that lead to adaptation (Coyne, 2010). Another scholar who researches the area of evolution is Jerry Coyne. In his book, Why Evolution is true; Jerry tries to provide concrete evidence to support natural selection as a valid element in evolution. The paper will give a reflection of the book, Why Evolution is true.
The term evolution is universal in contemporary society. Understanding the whole issue of evolution depends on personal inclination. Evolution involves a situation whereby a particular species undergo genetic change over a given period. Species have the capability of evolving from one form to the other depending on the nature of the environment. Mutation is a critical factor that revolves around these dynamics (Coyne, 2010). Understanding the ideology that most species that currently exist descended from their ancestors or the ones that had lived in the past is very changing. Mutation involves a process through which DNA undergoes damages resulting in the alteration of the genetic message that is usually conveyed by the genes. The relevance of Darwinism is granted through the analysis of some animals in the human environment. For example, a butterfly is one of the insects that undergo mutation. Transformations among butterflies are usual since they change from one organism to another with specific traits. The current research shows that particular types of butterflies have unique features from others. For instance, some of these insects are likely to experience germ-line mutation that shows an element of heredity. Therefore, Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution is very reliable since a lot of its content is manifested by many creatures.
Evaluation of the origin of human beings is also vital in establishing the evolution process. Human beings are believed to have a similar background. The approach of Charles Darwin depicts that human beings pass through evolutionary stages (Zimmer et al., 2013). Some of the critical characteristics that are put forward to explain the claim include adaptation, natural selection, and mutation (Coyne, 2010). Darwin provides that human beings evolved from apelike creatures. Even though these explanations form a bonne of contention, specific evidence can be used to support its validity. For example, many academicians have conducted studies to estimate the fact behind human evolution. The teaching of history in educational institutions provides many answers to the changes that are experienced in interpreting the evolution process. For example, researchers believe that the early man evolved on the African continent. The evidence that can be applied in the above argument is the presence of many all Season Rivers in Africa; thus man was able to acquire water for domestic use. Consequently, the availability of savannah grassland in many parts of Africa is another concrete fact that is in line with the evolution activities. For instance, the grassland provided a better ground where a man could hunt other animals for food thus satisfying his needs.
Another feature of evolution is that it is gradual. Gradual process means that an activity can only happen after a longer duration. Therefore, it is essential to realize that human beings, plants, and animals go through a gradual process of change. For instance, an appropriate evolutionary change can only occur after a series of generations (Coyne, 2010). Every single species have its rate for evolution thus brings the aspect of variance. Reptiles are a group of species that show a good description of evolution over a particular time. Birds are likely to originate from reptiles because they portray some features that are common. The habitat also contributes to such evolution. For example, even though the dogs and wolf have the same ancestry, the difference in habitats has made them adapt unique feature. The dissimilarities between dogs and wolf have gradually developed because of environmental or geographical forces.
The personal journey to discover and understand evolution is essential. Individuals should organize various studies to expand the area of evolution. For example, comprehending evolution requires a thorough analysis of the sources, both primary and secondary. Human environment is full of organisms that can be evaluated with the aim of establishing their ancestry (Coyne, 2010). For instance, the groups of for and fauna exhibit varied features whose origin can be traced to enhance the authenticity of Darwin’s claims.
Even though Darwin used nature to develop his arguments on the evolution of species, perspectives such as philosophical, sociological, and theological emerged to provide a different version of their stand. Philosophy is one of the fields that have reacted to the evolution theory. Many philosophers have opposed evolution approach with the grounds that it lacks philosophical doctrines and sufficient scientific evidence (Coyne, 2010). For example, the science within evolution theory has been disputed by some philosophers who argue that the methodology does not achieve the adequate standard for real science. One of the concepts used by philosophers to describe evolution is a tautology. For example, the term survival for the fittest that is postulated by Charles Darwin is viewed as a mere repetition that constitutes no meaning. Philosophical questions that challenge evolution theory tries to address issues like real science, whether the evolution is directional or progressive, and morality among others.
On the other hand, religious groups have also provided their view regarding evolution theory. Evolution theory has received opposition from diverse religions because they reject evolution as a factor for growth and development. For example, Christians have their version of origin (Coyne, 2010). The bible is a crucial resource that many Christians have incorporated to define their ancestry. Creation theory is a crucial approach that all Christians use as the point of reference to explain how the whole world and its contents came into existence. For example, the Bible argues that God created the universe in totality. The chronological order of God’s creation is depicted in different verses of the bible thus opposes the evolution theory in most forceful terms possible. Therefore, religions conclude that God created the universe to form his intelligence and perfect designs. Many theological conservatives have made efforts to abolish evolution theory of from the teaching curriculum because it impacts religious prosperity in the society. Consequently, legal interventions have been witnessed in the controversial topic of evolution theory. For instance, the Supreme Court of the United States of America decided to promote the teaching of the evolution methodologies in all institutions. For example, the court ordered educational institutions not to reject evolution theory from the curriculum.
Moreover, sociologists also have their own opinions concerning the origin of the universe (Coyne, 2010). The views of sociologists are connected to different mythologies that were developed in the ancient periods. For example, Greek mythology is a good example that conflicts with the evolution theory. Greek mythology recognizes night and Erebus as the creators of the universe. Different local communities in Africa have their version of creation myths that also compromises the comprehension of the evolution theory. Therefore, varied disciplines have acted against the will of Charles Darwin since they do not welcome his ideologies.
The theory of evolution entails lines of evidence that intends to provide proofs of its relevance. The approach embraces the use of fossils as historical evidence that proves that evolutionary processes occurred in human history (Coyne, 2010). Charles Darwin argues that the remains of human beings and animals in various parts of the word depict an essence of gradual change. In his theory, Darwin proposes uses some continents to point out some sites where the fossils were found. Based on the personal analysis, the African continent is considered as the home of evolution. Darwin argues that African is the cradle of humankind due to varied reasons. Many archaeological sites in Africa shows that early man evolved from that region. Consequently, the fossils of human beings such as bones, weapons, coins, and cloths explain aspects of development. Methods of dating fossils such as Potassium-argon dating, Fission track, and, Carbon dating explains the difference between the fossils at a given time. Therefore, Evolution theory is an authentic approach since it involves thorough research while determining the course of evolution.
Every generation produces individuals or organisms that are prone to survival. The above critique is relevant because the total population of animals in different environments is generated regularly. Survival is fundamental for these organisms (Coyne, 2010). Many cases portray that animals adapt the conditions in the environment thus increasing their life sustenance. For instance, some organisms are capable of setting in colder places while others cannot survive these conditions hence bringing the issue of natural selection. Therefore, organisms that have appropriate or better heritable traits are suited to their specific environment thus enabling sustenance.
Consequently, natural population entails variations. For example, different species produce more organisms that go beyond what is manageable by the environment. The impacts of such actions are that only individuals with the best genetics are likely to produce other offspring that promotes successful competition in the environment (Coyne, 2010). Therefore, the theory of Evolution by Charles Darwin is credible because it shows the continuity of generations through evolution.
Based on the above conclusion, evolution theory is a vital approach in the human environment. Through evolution, individuals form the potentialities to determine their origin as well as the genesis of particular plants and animals. Survival for the fittest is a common thing in the environment because only suitable organism survives and adapt to the changing environment. Even though evolution theory is applicable in the society, several groups such as philosophers have criticized its components as weak thus disqualify it as a science. Charles Darwin should be therefore acknowledged by every individual for his enormous contribution in the field of evolution.
Reference
Coyne, J. A. (2010). Why evolution is true. New York: Oxford University Press.
Zimmer, C., Emlen, D. J., & Perkins, A. E. (2013). Evolution: making sense of life. Greenwood Village, CO: Roberts.