by Samuel Kounaves (Winchester Star)
A theory in science is not just a “hunch.” It is a coherent body of interconnected statements, based on reasoning and evidence, that explains a variety of observations and makes predictions that can be tested. A theory is so well supported, it is as close to a “fact” as you can get in science.
What scientists debate today are the mechanisms of evolution and their importance, not validity. Creationism and intelligent (divine) design are not rival theories to evolution. As much as creationist would like you to think so, there is not one shred of evidence to support them. They are simply pseudoscience brought to the service of dogmatic religion and extreme literalist interpretation of scripture.
That life on this planet has evolved during 3.5 billion years from single-celled organisms to complex and diverse life, is a fact. Overwhelming evidence is in the geological record observed by thousands of scientist over hundreds of years. Evidence is clear and undeniable. That the Earth is 4.5 billion years old is also a fact. Denying these observations is equivalent to denying the earth circles the sun or matter is made of atoms.
The only theory that explains how evolution happens is Darwin’s theory of natural selection (descent with natural modification). This is what we are talking about when we say “the theory of evolution.” There have been some modifications, but it stands now stronger than ever. In fact, nothing makes sense in biology except in the light of evolution. Every day that passes brings more observations confirming Darwin’s theory. For 150 years, creationist have pronounced the theory dead. It isn’t.
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