Agnosticism / Atheism

  1. Home
  2. Religion & Spirituality
  3. Agnosticism / Atheism

What is Evolution? Evolution Defined and Explained

Evolution can be a difficult concept for people to come to terms with, especially if they do not have much experience with life sciences. Is evolution a fact or a theory? Does evolution explain the origin of life or not? These are important questions which people need to be able to understand and answer. Evolution is not a minor matter - it is, in fact, the cornerstone of all modern biology.
Evolution Defined: What is Evolution and Evolutionary Theory? How Is The Concept Of Evolution Misunderstood?
Evolution can be a confusing term because it is used in more than one way. Many people in the general population have developed an incorrect understanding of evolution for a number of reasons. One is the misinformation spread by creationists - by misrepresenting evolution, they may hope that it will be easier to get people to disregard it. Another is simple ignorance of the topic itself and the specific ways in which science uses certain terminology.
Evolution: Fact Or Theory? How Can It Be Both? What's the Difference?
There is some confusion about evolution as a fact and evolution as a theory. Often you can find critics claiming that evolution is 'just a theory' rather than a fact, as if that were supposed to demonstrate that it shouldn't be given serious consideration. Such arguments are based upon a misunderstanding of both the nature of science and the nature of evolution.
Microevolution vs Macroevolution: Is There A Difference Between Microevolution & Macroevolution?
There is one particular aspect of evolution that needs to be given specific attention: the somewhat artificial distinction between what is called 'microevolution' and 'macroevolution', two terms often used by creationists in their attempts to critique evolution and evolutionary theory.
Is Evolution Scientific?
This question isn't as simple as it sounds, but the short answer is yes, evolution is science. Evolution meets the criteria generally accepted by scientists as defining science, and the vast majority of scientists accept evolution as science.
Abiogenesis and the Origin of Life
As if evolution and evolutionary theory were not already confusing enough, many creationists complicate matters even further by promulgating the mistaken idea that evolution is the same as abiogenesis. One common way this is done is to argue that evolution cannot explain how life began while creationism can and, therefore, creationism is superior to evolution.
Evolution FAQ: Evolution Chronology
Timeline of events surrounding evolutionary theory. Events include those related to the development of evolutionary theory and the controversy surrounding the teaching of evolution and creationism in schools.

Explore Agnosticism / Atheism

More from About.com

Agnosticism / Atheism

  1. Home
  2. Religion & Spirituality
  3. Agnosticism / Atheism
  4. Evolution & Creationism
  5. Evolution Explained

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.