Evolution: Theory, Fact, or False?

"Macro-evolution" is a theory inasmuch as evolutionary events that have purportedly occured over millions of years and resulted in the appearance of new species can not be experimentally reproduced or observed. In contrast, "Micro-evolution," which describes genetic change within a particular species, has been observed and can be witnessed over and over again.

The mechanics of micro-evolution are most evident in lower order organisms such as bacteria, viruses, insects, etc. Just think about cockroaches and how quickly, in a matter of a few generations they can adapt to certain pesticides and become immune to them.

The reason why macro-evolution has been readily accepted as fact when it really isn't is because the principles of micro-evolution have been extrapolated to the illogical conclusion that species can go through so many minor genetic changes that they eventually become entirely new species. This has not been proven and unless you are able to live millions of years or be able to maintain documentation that lasts that long, macro-evolution can NEVER be proven.

Wow is there ever some confusion on all sides.

I would say that depending on your definitions, probably all three are correct. Evolution is a theory, it is a fact and it is false. All at once.

Here is what I mean:

1. Evolution is a theory. That is why it is called the "Theory of Evolution". It is a scientific theory, like the theory of gravity and the theory of plate tectonics. It is currently the most accepted theory in science for explaining the species we observe. When a better theory emerges that explains more of the data, it will be replaced, as all scientific theories are. Just like gravity has been replaced several times already, and will probably be replaced again. You will never "prove" it. If you want proof, look to mathematics, not science.

2. Evolution could also be called a "fact", in that there are data (i.e. observations) of evolution that one might call "facts". However, the observations of evolution occurring (such as bacteria developing resistance to antibiotics, or viruses changing) should not be confused with the theory of evolution that attempts to explain these observations. Just like the observations of gravity (the "facts") should not be confused with the theories of gravity (Aristotlean, Galilean, Newtonian, Relativisitic, etc.).

3. Evolution is also "false", because no scientific theory ever fits all the facts. That is how science works. Even gravity is "false", in this sense.

any rational, logical person without an adjenda, within a scientific discussion and framework, would have to choose evolution over creationism any day of the week. There is an abundance of physical evidence and tangible facts that have played themselves out before our eyes, and still do to this day. Just because there are a few grey areas that have to be further studied, doesn't mean that the whole theory can be scrapped and replaced with creationism. Creationism has not one single ounce of tangible evidence to support it. The bible has no provable facts, other than perhaps geography. Leave the faith out of the science and we will all be alot better off. There is room for both, but not together. Evolution: Fact ........ Bible: FICTION

Evolution is a fact. It is an observable phenomena in nature. The mechanism causing evolution, however, remains a theory as it can not be reproduced in a lab.

For example:

Natural selection: A theory of evolution put forward by Darwin. Believes that animals undergo constant mutations and that mutations beneficial to the survival of the species are more likely to continue. Hence the adaptations of animals within different environments.

Intelligent design: Another theory of evolution put forward by Theists. It believes that a devine power mandate changes within animals so they are more adapted to live confortably within their environements.

(WOW, I was able to type that without interjecting my person opinions. I'm getting better)

As you see, the end product (evolution) remains the same. The debate revolves around what is driving it.

It's a theory, and it doesn't have anything to do with the question of whether or not God exists (although some people answering this question seem to think differently). The theory of evolution is borne out by some excellent scientific data including the fossil record, the science of genetics, and sound logical reasoning. It has some shortcomings, and that's what science is all about- constantly challenging and improving our answers to questions about how the world works. Science can't tell us anything about whether or not God exists, nor should it try. That's a question that we each have to answer on our own.

It is called the Theory of Evolution but I take it as fact.

Fact. We tend to call it a theory just to placate the creationists. Any good dog or horse breeder can show you how the characteristics of mother and father get blended and sorted in the offspring. Domestic species have changed dramatically since we have taken a hand in their breeding. The same forces are at work on all species, it's just that we don't control them all. Mate selection and the survival of varied offspring moves evolution along. It's not so much survival of the fittest; that's only half. It's reproduction of the fittest.

Evolution is both theory, and fact. The history of evolution in some cases is theory, however since things continue to evolve durning our life time right in front of us, its easy to state the some parts of evolution are fact.

It's as much of a fact as any scientific theory. For example, the theory of Gravity.

It's also important to distinguish between whether evolution occurred (i.e. species changing over time) and the mechanism of that change (natural selection, neutral drift, punctuated equilibrium). It is also important to distinguish evolution from abiogenesis (origins of life). We know that evolution has happened. We don't know how life got started. Different questions.

Well, unless they have some real creative people creating skeletons and fossils of earlier man, then it is 100% a fact. You can't dispute something that is tangible and has proof sitting in museums worldwide.

The reason that it is called the Theory of Evolution is that scientists have left room for God's hand in doing some of the creation. Those who believe in Creation as God's work do not leave any room for science...at least that's what I have observed.

Evolution is a fact. Species evolve! If you put a rat in antarctica, he's gonna' grow some more hair. However, the chance that humans evolved from a monkey who evolved from a this which evolved from a widget which evolved from a whoopdeedinger, which evolved from a thingamablob, which evolved from bacteria, is nill. Study science and find that mutations usually aren't for good--it usually messes stuff up hardcore. So for billions and trillions of mutations to all go good and make us, well you'd have to be a chimp get tricked into believing that.