Theory of evolution Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Theory of evolution - Research Paper Example Thesis statement: The history, research and analysis, and discussion based upon the validity of the theory of evolution prove that the strengths overshadow the weaknesses of the same and future development in the field of modern science may prove its value as a scientific theory. Description: Evolution is the process of continuous change which occurs across generations. To be specific, evolution can be defined as the process of change and inheriting certain genetic characteristics which eventually leads to the formation of new species. There is a general misunderstanding that human beings evolved from apes. Instead, the supporters of evolution are in favor of the idea that human beings and apes belong to the same family, but human beings did not evolve from apes. So, one can see that evolution is the key element behind the biological diversity of the earth. Nardo (2009) stated that, â€Å"The ancient Greeks had the first known discussions about some concepts that later became part o f evolutionary theory† (p.19). The most important characteristic of the evolution is that the same is a continuous process. ... For instance, Darwin argued that natural selection is the key element behind the evolution of different species on earth. Darwin was aware of the fact that lack of evidence and data will attract disapproval and disagreement from the naturalists and scientists. So, he collected evidence to back up his theory with the same. Besides, Darwin tried to prove that life on earth carries a common ancestry. At the same time, his theory was supported by the data collected by him. Later, Thomas Henry Huxley made use of Darwin’s theory to argue that human beings and apes belong to the same family. Smith (1993) made clear that, â€Å"The study of evolution is concerned with how, during the long history of life on this planet, different animals and plants have become adapted to different conditions, and to different ways of life in those conditions† (p.26). Within the context of evolution as a scientific theory, heredity, variation, and mutation are important. One can see that heredit y decides the genetic characteristics of an organism. On the other side, variation is deeply influenced by external elements like environment. Besides, evolution is influenced by genetic variation of different species on earth. At the same time, mutation is another characteristic of the living world which can be considered as the proof for evolution. But mutation can result in positive and negative effect on living things. In short, the theory of evolution can be considered as the foundation stone of the growth and development of different fields within the context of the study of the living world. History: One can see that the earth’s ecological diversity fascinated the human beings. Still, the religious perspective of the origin of life is