Does the theory of evolution have any substantial validity to it?

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Science Debates

22 Contributors
in this discussion.

Yes
82% of users

  • I believe that the theory of evolution has significant validity, as is evidenced by examples of how different species have adapted and changed as a result of living in different areas.

    We can clearly see how a number of different species have evolved to promote the most useful characteristics for their surroundings. We have examples of everything from birds to squirrels that show us how the exact same species can evolve to adapt to different circumstances. Likewise, we can see how even humans have evolved in our relatively short existence - just compare the short and stooped skeletons of early man to the average build and height of modern man.

    Yes ToughEfrain26

  • I believe that the theory of evolution does have substantial validity to it, because we can trace the evolution and adaptation of animals to their environment.

    I do not believe that man evolved from apes, but I do believe we evolved alongside them. It is possible through fossil evidence, as well as genetic evidence, to track the evolution of a species. Animals and plants both evolve to fit their environment. For example, there are cave creatures that have lost their eyes because, living deep in caves, eyes were not needed and, therefore, over time, became vestigial, until they were missing entirely. This is a perfect example of evolution at work, because the unneeded feature was, over time, removed. This can also work in the opposite fashion where, what had been a flipper, can evolve into a leg and foot.

    Yes QuarrelsomeAlbert70

  • The theory of evolution has substantial validity rooted in scientific evidence.

    The theory of evolution provides rational and empirical observations of the state of life on Earth. This theory states, at its most basic level, that life on Earth has not always been like it is now. Contrary to popular belief, the acceptance of evolution as a mainstream theory is not inherently atheistic; it does not rule out the role of a Creator, nor does it address from where life originated, so it is entirely compatible with the idea of God and religion. Evolution, at its core, says that life has evolved from simpler states, and the fossil record and traits of all life on Earth, current and extinct, supports this theory.

    Yes AwfulWeston

  • I support the fact of evolution because it can be observed in nature and tested by the scientific method.

    The scientific community, who observe, test, and make conclusions based on empirical evidence, provide lots of support for the idea of evolution. Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" explains it, and demonstrates how evolution can be observed in nature.

    Yes AcousticRick50

  • There is clear evidence that animals and plants have evolved according to the this theory.

    There is ample amounts of evidence available that shows that the theory of evolution is a true theory. Plants and animals clearly do adapt on a genetic level to their environment and to other factors. Whether or not the theory of evolution explains the origins of man is still something that hasn't been sufficiently proven.

    Yes MariaR

  • Evolution has been backed up by a ridiculous amount of proof.

    One of the most frustrating claims to "disprove" evolution is that it is just a theory. A scientific theory is different from a hypothesis and a hunch, it is backed up with evidence. Everything in science is a theory as it is open to be dis-proven. Evolution does explain the Cambrian Explosion, it's called adaptive radiation. Humans are no different from any other animals either, we are simply more intelligent, but we are by far not the most evolved out there, if that even means anything. Most creationists want a video recording of life starting as bacteria and evolving into humans, unfortunately that's not going to happen and it's amazing that we even have the fossils that we do. Evolution is supported by so much evidence that unwillingness to understand it now essentially means you will never understand it. Do not ever say that it is "just a theory" for it is the most ignorant and illogical argument possible.

    Yes Anonymous

  • The theory of evolution explains many of the changes and alterations seen in nature, and it can be observed changing animals and plants decade by decade even now.

    If the theory of evolution was ever in question, our current advances in DNA testing should dispel that question. The difference between orangutan DNA and human DNA is only 2%. If we reject the possibility of evolution we must accept that this is mere coincidence; this is very unlikely. We have seen how nature (by means of natural selection, i.e., evolution) has filled all the needed niches even in isolated places such as New Zealand and New Guinea. Species develop special abilities, change their physical appearance and even their dietary requirements over generations, much as Darwin posited in his "Origin of Species." It is doubtful that many in the scientific or academic communities are questioning the viability of the theory of evolution. It would seem that the only challenge comes from religion, and not from all religions. Mendel, an Augustinian Monk, experimented for many years observing the genetic characteristics of pea plants. His work provided the underpinnings of modern genetics. Modern genetics is very much providing an "under pinning" for the theory of evolution.

    Yes CI3Iike

  • The theory of evolution has too much scientific evidence that is far too valid to ignore.

    I agree that there is validity to the theory of evolution. There has been so much scientific research done on evolution over the years that I believe it is impossible to ignore it. We can see the evolution of many species from this research. I believe that it is possible to believe in evolution and creation both. It was a miracle, now matter how it happened.

    Yes R0d0Ferdy

  • Evidence, data and the scientific method.

    Most people who see the theory of evolution as a valid theory do not outright reject the idea of god and certainly don't state that it disproves god as it does no such thing. To say that evolution disproves god is in fact extremely un-scientific as there is no data supporting this argument. Although I have never seen any evidence I believe proves the existance of god I have also never seen any that disproves it. So can the people out there who get so worked up over evolution being "blashemy" or something similar just calm down and look at evolution for what it is. The theory that fits all the data better than any other.

    Yes Anonymous

  • To the people in the NO column

    Evidence to prove evolution does not automatically disprove God. It supports evolution and simply that. DNA evidence can not be denied simply because you believe in a higher being. Evolution is so while understood that it is able to be traced and in some cases predicted. If we can predict how certain trait will follow a species are you saying we can predict Gods actions? Just saying that the belief in evolution and the disbelief in God do not need to go hand in hand.

    Yes Anonymous

  • Evolution has enough evidence supporting it that there is no longer reasonable doubt.

    In 150 years, not a single shred of evidence has been uncovered that contradicts it - it is overwhelmingly likely to be factual, to the degree that almost all scientists consider it such.

    Yes Anonymous

  • DNA evidence can be traced back to show the fact that all organisms share common ancestors.

    No competing theory has been advanced with factual supporting evidence. The evidence for evolution is overwhelming and includes fossils, as well as living organisms. Evolution in the form of natural selection can easily be manipulated by humans in the form of artificial selection and forms the basis for the kind of diversification in species seen in canines and many other organisms.

    Yes eclair910

  • Evolution is observable and observed - those who don't believe it usually don't understand it.

    Evolution is not "Just a theory"; those who say "Just a theory" have no understanding of what a scientific theory is. A scientific theory is something which fits all current evidence and serves as the best possible explanation available to us. Gravity is "just a theory" in the same way evolution is "just a theory" - we see evidence everywhere, we regularly test it, and it comes up positive. The common cold is one of the most obvious reasons Evolution is clearly fact - it mutates at such a rate that it is incurable. It evolves. There are bacteria in dishes in almost every biologist's lab that evolve weekly. There are super-illnesses in hospitals caused by bacterial evolution and adaptation to antibiotics. There are selectively bred species by humans; there are fossil records and there are changes we see in a century to more advanced species. It's not a question of Evolution having any substantial validity - all the evidence is overwhelming - it's a question of any other theory having more validity. Currently the answer to that question is "No".

    Yes DuaneAir

  • I believe that Darwin's theory has had a great impact on the world today.

    It has caused many debates between religious authorities and those from the scientific community. This theory had prompted individuals to think about the origin of the universe, earth, and how life really began. However, what distinguishes Charles Darwin from the others is the fact that he collected and provided substantial evidences, and he related various branches of science such as geology, botany and biology, which helped validate his theories.

    Yes SGuthrie

  • It is completely valid and supported by empirical evidence.

    There is no valid claim against evolution and it is a theory only because it happens over time. It's a theory like gravity - try disproving it without magical thinking (which is the argument of the anti-evolution creationists - a magic man did it!). We have all the empirical evidence to back evolution, and none to refute it. We see it at work in evolving, mutating viruses after all.

    Yes Th4Fire

  • I agree because there are a lot of scientific evidences which support the theory of evolution.

    I'm a scientist and even if not a biologist myself, I believe in the scientific method. The theory of evolution (like all the scientific theories) does not pretend to be absolute truth, but a working hypothesis, to be corroborated or disproved or improved by evidence. Currently all proves from genetic, palaeontology and other disciplines makes us think that evolution is a reasonable assumption. I want also to point out that only the more bigot Christians refuse to accept evolution, while all the priests I know believe that evolution is true.

    Yes WeirdCody

  • I agree with the theory of evolution since science has showed that it exists.

    Palaeontologists have found fossil evidence showing how current flora and fauna have evolved over long periods of time. Evidence shows that evolution is occurring even now (e.g., antibiotic resistance of bacteria).

    Yes Chang11

  • The theory of evolution does have substantial validity to it.

    With the proven facts that some animals have evolved from water to land and from air to land shows that the evolution theory is possible. While scientist are not always right and facts are sometimes disproven, we cannot exclude this theory in our options. People often have a hard time accepting science because of religion. Now, don't get me wrong, I do believe in God. Yet, no matter what, whomever you call God you cannot just put aside the scientific facts we have been given. With all that in mind, it is also impossible for scientists to put aside the possibility of a higher being. Until they can completely prove how the beings we have evolved from were formed in the first place, they cannot dispute the possibility as we should not dispute the possibility of evolution.

    Yes w00tboycomic
Voice Your Opinion
No
18% of users

  • If evolution were valid, there would be no monkeys.

    I personally don't feel that evolution has any validity whatsoever. If it were true, and humans evolved from monkeys and apes, why are there still monkeys and apes? I have never once went into a zoo and spotted a half monkey, half man, which you would undoubtedly see if evolution were to occur, since it is supposedly a gradual occurrence. A half breed would have to exist. Unless you also believe in Bigfoot, that half breed has never been seen.

    No SneakyLucius76

  • Evolution is only one section of a much bigger puzzle

    There is a great rift between the scientific definition of evolution and pop culture references to evolution. Pop culture thinks evolution explains things like abiogenesis and the cambrian explosion when science claims no such thing. Pop culture also thinks evolution and religion are at odds. This would be a shock to many of the religious people who study evolution.

    No Anonymous

  • Yes

    i dont care if u dont believe in God! ull believe in him soon enough when u burn in Hell after u die! So there!

    No Anonymous

  • Their is more proof for God than their is for science

    No not really because its just a theory its just what people believe and they happen to have proof, well big deal. The very reason you are who you are today is proof enough that something out their knows what their doing. Atheists always say they have this proof thats theirs no God and they think they do, but if they had anything faith at all to even consider believing in God for a minute then I believe he would become real to them, so real their world would be turned upside down. So theirs proof enough, the next time you say theirs no proof think differently.

    No Anonymous
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Does the theory of evolution have any substantial validity to it?
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