• Question: some say evolution was just an implication/interpretation of darwins work however this is arguable. do you believe in evolution and if so, why?

    Asked by saneaah118 to Heather, Helen, Hugh, Jane, Julian on 11 Nov 2014.
    • Photo: Julian Onions

      Julian Onions answered on 11 Nov 2014:

      I believe in evolution, or to be strict I believe in the evidence, and it makes sense to me. You do need an AWFUL lot of time for evolution to do its work. There are a few lab experiments that have shown good evidence for evolution, lasting a few years, but in nature in takes millions of years usually.

    • Photo: Hugh Osborn

      Hugh Osborn answered on 11 Nov 2014:

      Evolution was not just an interpretation of Darwins work. In the 155 years since On The Origin of the Species was published, biologists have continued to study the natural world and how it changes over time. They have studied more creatures, uncovered more fossils, used more technology than could have even been dreamed of in Darwin’s day. Back then, the method of how information was passed on from parent to sibling was completely unknown. Now, we have sequenced the genomes of thousands of animals and plants.

      Almost every single piece of new information has strengthened the concept of Evolution. It is, without a doubt, the single most well-supported theory in biology. Sure, there are things we still dont know, gaps we still need to fill, but the evidence is undeniable.

      The great thing about science is that you don’t need to believe it. It is an experimental theory that anyone, with access to the same measurements and information, can test for themselves; and for 155 years the conclusion has been the same.

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