Non-religious Scientific - Origins Of Life Flashcards
1
Q
Science - KU
A
- The scientific explanation of life comes from the theory of evolution.
- the theory explains that gradually over a long period of time an organism adapts or changes into a different and often more complex form
- Variations or differences are present among species and some of these variations mean certain individuals have traits that are better suited to their environment: these advantageous traits allow some members of a species to survive better than others: this is known as as survival of the fittest
- These advantages are said to occur naturally hence the process is understood as natural selection. Charles Darwin is said to have used the term ‘natural selection’ in a contrast to ‘artificial selection’
- It is an unaided natural process
- Fossils are evidence of evolution as fossils are organisms that used to be alive and that have been turned into roc. Fossil s form in layers in sedimentary rocks, with the oldest in the bottom layers and the youngest on top. Fossils become more complex, in the upper layers
- Embryonic similarities are evidence of evolution as it is often difficult to tell species of animals apart at the embryonic stage. The embryos of mammals, fish and birds are often very similar. An example of embryos of a fish and of a human, both have gill slits; in humans they disappear before birth, whereas in fish they develop into gills
2
Q
Science - Analysis
A
- Arguably this tells us that Darwinian theory of evolution shows us the process of the creation of life has taken place place over many years not just in one instance
- Animals and humans have developed in their form to keep adapting to life on earth and to evolve to the climate
3
Q
Science - Strength
A
- Evolutionary theory is based on scientific reasoning and uses empirical evidence, so the theory is backed up by significant research
- There is a compelling amount of evidence to back up evolutionary theory. Fossils, embryonic similarities and common features across species unsupported the theory
4
Q
Science - Weakness
A
- Evolution does a great job of outlining the mechanism or process for how I’ve develops but it does not automatically point us to the origin of life. What was the common ancestor and where did it evolve from?
- Due to the gradual nature of evolution it is difficult to watch a species evolve; this means the process of evolution is not observable and causes some to doubt it as credible theory
- The fossil record is incomplete, often lacking intermediate fossils and some argue that new species appear suddenly rather than fossils showing a transition from their parent group
5
Q
Science - Evaluation
A
- I agree with scientific theory for the origins of life to a certain extent as evolutionary theory is based on scientific reasoning and uses empirical evidence, so the theory is backed up by significant research
- I disagree with scientific theory for the origins of life to a certain extent as due to the gradual nature of evolution it is difficult to watch a species evolve; this means the process of evolution is not observable and causes some to doubt it as a credible theory