| </span><blockquote><span class="smallfont">Quote:</span><hr size="1" />Originally Posted by (Edge,)
The theory of evolution states that the progression from simple to complex forms is a result of random (chance) mutations followed by natural selection. If anything had a hand in it, it is DESIGN, not Evolution. <hr size="1" /></blockquote><span class='postcolor'>
1. Evolution is not about a progression from simple to complex forms. If that is what you thought, you thought wrong. Evolution is not about progression of any kind. It is about adaptation and diversity. Whether adaptation occurs through more complexity, less complexity or is a sideways move into change of form or behaviour with no difference in level of complexity is a matter of what works for survival. The idea that evolution is a progress toward some undefined perfection is a long outdated view based on Victorian era prejudices and has no place in the modern theory of evolution.
2. Evolution is not the result of random mutations + natural selection. It is a result of variation + changing environments + natural selection. Mutation is only one source, and possibly not the most important source, of variation. Furthermore, variation (from mutation or other causes) + natural selection, is insufficient to enable evolution. The point of evolution is to adapt to an environment. You can have all the variation and natural selection you want and get no change if a species is already well-adapted to its environment.
3. That design is incompatible with evolution (or vice versa) is an assertion that needs to be backed up with evidence. |