Nora Davies

Evolution successfully explains the origins of life. It is the foundation of biology and is a building block for whole new types of agricultural, medical, and environmental research. Evolution is undermined in schools, however, for unscientific beliefs.

Scientists fist observe and create questions, they then test those questions and collect results then editing their observations. Scientists continue to refine their ideas until there is no likely evidence against it, then the explanation becomes a theory. Scientists can then use this theory to help explain other events in nature.

Evolution has been continually tested by many scientists in many fields and is proved to be true When a trait changes between generations depending on whether the trait helps the organism survive or not. If the organism with the right trait survives it passes its trait onto offspring until it becomes common in the species.

Evolution is supported by fossils found in rock layers. Fossils that resemble current species are in younger layers and fossils that only distantly resemble species are in older rock layers. Based on this gradual change of fossils in the layers scientists confirm that evolution is true.

Genetics shows that traits are passed on from parents to offspring through DNA. Species that appear to be more distantly related have greater differences in DNA than the species that appear to be more closely related.

There are common structures and behaviors between different species. The forelimbs of a human, cow, whale, and bat are different in details but very similar in overall structure and placement. This points to the evidence of a common ancestor species that evolved into different branches creating multiple species.

Some people argue that creationism should be taught in schools alongside evolution. Creationism is not science though, it is based on beliefs outside of nature. But science is only based on naturally occurring phenomena. Many arguments against evolution can be proved wrong: Creationists argue that evolution is faulty because of the gaps in the fossil record, but scientists have found are a still finding intermediate species to fill those gaps.

Creationists also say some features of life such as the eye, are too complex to be created by just evolution. Scientists have found that certain flagella have certain functions an can be developed through evolution. Some creationists argue that earth is too young to develop these species, but earth has been discovered to be 4.5 billion years old. Teaching creationism along with evolution will just confuse children.

Science and religion teach separate aspects. Many scientists who study evolution believe in religion and many religious people believe in evolution. Science and religion should be taught separately.

I believe that evolution exists. Because of the similarities in bone structure in completely separate species points to a common ancestor. Because fossils in rock layers show a distinct development over time with intermediate species. And because DNA is similar between closely related species.