This is in response to the letter ?Scientists can?t have it both ways regarding evolution? (CT, Nov. 16). The author presents that the primary gap associated with evolution is the big bang, but are these two ideas even really connected?
A popular misconception amongst those that have little or no experience or understanding of evolutionary theory is that it encompasses the beginning of time through today.
In reality, however, the theory of evolution only elucidates the change of organisms through time. The theory of evolution does not incorporate the origin of the universe (big-bang theory), nor does it include the biochemical origins of life.
Rather ? evolution takes over after the appearance of the first life on Earth. Certainly, Darwin and many other prominent evolutionists have speculated on just such origins, but the theory of evolution itself simply explains how populations acquire and transfer novel traits through generations, therefore leading to the emergence of new species.
The author additionally claims that ?you cannot isolate the origin of species and other more docile facets of evolution from the big bang.?
This is a nonsensical statement. Big-bang theory addresses the origin of the physical universe, while evolutionary theory addresses the history of life. The two theories are distinct ? and the success of one does not depend on the other.
Certainly, the universe must have existed prior to the origin of species on our planet, but this is really the only connection we can make. Critics of scientific theories might do well to fully understand their targeted theory before voicing their dissent.
