The Controversial Theory Of Evolution - 1312 Words

The controversial theory of evolution has been prevalent in the minds of scientists, religious leaders, and those who follow since Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace first made the ideas officially known in 1858. The theory they proposed was that the universe and all organisms within it is constantly changing and adapting to the world around them since the beginning of time. Since Darwin’s and Wallace’s theories were shared, there has been constant disagreement and debate between the science world and the religious world regarding evolution. Some science and religious advocates agree that there is the possibility of both the scientific and religious beliefs on how the world came about co-exiting. However, some religious groups, like†¦show more content†¦One of the many examples that support this idea that organisms evolve and change over time is the finding of the Tiktaalik; though it is an unknown species it has traits that are similar to reptiles, amphi bians, and birds that exist today. Because of fossil findings like the Tiktaalik scientists no longer have doubts about evolution and it’s continuing occurrence (Alberto 2008). In the 20th century, with the development of the science of genetics biologists began understanding the mechanics of how traits are passed down to different generations and how they are altered through the discovery of DNA and its major importance. They learned that parts of DNA from each parent are passed down to the offspring. Mutations of DNA, which cause alterations of species, can also occur when traits are being passed down to the offspring. Mutations in DNA can cause the offspring to have difficulties surviving and eventually lead to the extinction of the species. On the other hand, mutation of DNA can affect the offspring positively and change its traits to be stronger and a better survivor in that certain environment which would eventually lead to a growth in population of the certain species. Mutations in DNA can also be neutral and have no effect of the offspring’s traits. This battle with nature and survival through DNA lead to the foundation of the idea of Natural Selection (Alberto 2008). Natural selection is â€Å"survival of the fittest†, the