Is the theory of evolution proposed by Darwin really reliable?

In 2012, the American science magazine Frontiers conducted a survey on "the most captivating scientific theories." They invited both scientific researchers and humanities scholars to nominate their favorite theories. This survey saw participation from several hundred people, with notable support for theories like "evolution" and "relativity."

Renowned Oxford University professor emeritus, Richard Dawkins, regards Charles Darwin's theory of evolution as one of the most exceptional theories in human history. He states, "No other theory has the power to explain a multitude of phenomena with such straightforward assumptions." Since its inception, the theory of evolution has received widespread acclaim, but it has also encountered skepticism, a trend that continues to this day.

In 1859, Darwin published "On the Origin of Species," causing significant controversy and doubt. Doubts about the theory persisted for the next century, and in recent decades, there have been occasional claims in newspapers and books that "Darwin's theory of evolution has been debunked." In 2006, a statement signed by over 500 scientists created a worldwide uproar, suggesting that "500 scientists questioned Darwin's theory of evolution." This has left many people wondering, "Is the theory of evolution genuinely flawed?"

Let's delve into the inception of the theory of evolution and the problems it sought to address. Throughout history, humanity has displayed a relentless curiosity about the natural world. Questions such as "What exists in the world?" "Where did it all come from?" and "Why does it happen?" have driven our explorations.

In the early 18th century, as geographical exploration and biological classification developed, particularly with Linnaeus's introduction of the "binomial nomenclature" for identifying organisms, the first question found clarity. However, the second question remained challenging. The prevailing view at the time was that God created all things, but this lacked a scientific basis and couldn't explain the similarities and differences among living creatures.

After years of observation and research, Charles Darwin put forward the hypothesis that species share a common ancestor and evolve gradually through natural selection. His theory posed a direct challenge to the idea of divine creation, sparking intense religious and philosophical debates and motivating scientists to explore the mechanics of biological evolution.

As for the third question, Darwin introduced the theory of natural selection as the driving force behind species evolution. This concept rests on the idea of "survival of the fittest" through natural selection. Yet, during that era, transitional fossil evidence was relatively scarce, and the field of molecular biology had not yet emerged. Consequently, Darwin lacked substantial evidence to substantiate his response to this question.

Nonetheless, as scientific research advanced, the theory of evolution became more robust. Additional evidence emerged, and subsequent scholars integrated the importance of mutation into evolutionary theory. They also introduced Mendelian genetics to elucidate inheritance and variation.

This enriched Darwin's theory of evolution, establishing a comprehensive theoretical framework for evolution. These advancements made the theory more intricate and garnered increasing acceptance. This evolution of the theory aligns with our understanding of how scientific knowledge evolves. It underscores that science is an open and continually developing system.

The study of biological evolution has profound implications for our worldview. Our comprehension of the origins of species directly shapes our perception and understanding of the world.

The theory of evolution has been a subject of debate since its inception, but it remains rooted in a substantial body of scientific evidence and can withstand rigorous examination over millions of years. Ultimately, it's essential to recognize that this theory is a hypothesis, and as science progresses, it will continue to evolve and improve in the years to come.