I’ve been a staunch proponent of evolution since a very young age. I’ve never questioned the theory, which was in my heart a law. Proof was never essential, but lately… I seam so doubtful.
Here are just a few things I have problem believing:
1. The change of abiotic matter (non-living) to biotic matter (living).
3. How probability favours natural selection.
4. The change of unicellular organisms to multicellular organisms.
5. The idea that our biological being strives toward perfection.
I don't know any scientific basis for the last. I don't know that biological beings strive for anything: they do things, such as reproduce, consume food, etc. If that is turns out to be of reproductive advantage, they grow in number. I don't know if you classify that as striving. Perfection? That is in the eyes of the beholder. Number 5 is not scientific language.
Random mutations with some reproductive advantage popping up can explain number 4. Probability favoring natural selection? Hmmmm. For every mutation, it will have some related survival and reproduction factor. If that factor is large enough, as compared to other mutated organisms, then it will by the laws of population genetics, have a reproduction advantage. Yes, there is a lot of probability and statistics modeling in population genetics. There are good basic books on that.
Finally, number one: I don't view the change as dramatic as you proposed. The changes are gradual, and the dividing line between fuzzy. Living and non living are our definitions, not the network of molecules in the matter.
Remember, the great majority of mutations in organic molecules are dead end. In living matter as we know it, these dead end mutations are removed by the organism itself.
You seem to have some emotional involvement with this subject (words such as heart, doubt, being, strives,doubt, perfection). If you attach feeling or emotion to biochemistry and its alterations, your view will be tinted by the window through which you look.
There are good basic books on this, however, the subject is of great importance to some with fixed religious or philosophical views, and those books are tinted with their window they look thru. It is hard to see clearly in a storm of controversy. Avoid that.
Good luck.
Well said!
Thank you! It's important to approach scientific questions with an open and objective mindset. When it comes to your specific concerns about evolution, it's okay to have doubts and seek clarification. I can help address each of your points and explain how scientists have approached these aspects of evolution:
1. The change of abiotic matter (non-living) to biotic matter (living):
The origins of life itself, known as abiogenesis, is a separate field of study from evolution. While there is ongoing research on the origins of life, the specific processes that led to the transition from non-living to living matter are not yet fully understood. However, evolution focuses on the change and diversification of life forms after the emergence of the first living organisms.
3. How probability favors natural selection:
Natural selection is a fundamental component of evolution. It acts on the variation already present in a population. Random mutations occur in DNA during replication, creating genetic variation. The favorable mutations that help an organism survive and reproduce are more likely to be passed on to the next generation, while less advantageous mutations may not be. Over time, this leads to an accumulation of beneficial traits within a population, increasing the overall fitness and adapting to the environment.
4. The change of unicellular organisms to multicellular organisms:
The transition from unicellular to multicellular organisms is believed to have occurred gradually over long periods of time. This process involved genetic changes, cellular specialization, and the development of mechanisms for cells to work together. While the exact mechanisms and intermediates are still being studied, there is evidence from both fossils and molecular biology that supports this transition.
5. The idea that our biological being strives toward perfection:
The language of striving or perfection is not usually used in scientific explanations of evolution. Evolutionary processes are driven by natural selection, where variations that increase an organism's fitness in its environment are more likely to be passed on. However, what is considered "fit" or successful can vary depending on the environment and specific circumstances. Evolution doesn't have an end goal of perfection but is a continuous process of adaptation to changing conditions.
It's always a good idea to seek out reputable scientific resources, such as textbooks and peer-reviewed articles, to gain a deeper understanding of evolutionary biology. Remember to critically evaluate the sources you come across and remain open to new evidence and scientific discoveries.