Lecture 3: Why Evolution is True

What is the difference between belief system and scientific theory?

belief system: set of ideas that are accepted to be true HOWEVER! it can NOT be tested

Scientific theory: set of hypothesis to explain the world that is meant to be tested

in general what is the theory of evolution?

descent with modification from common ancestors

what are the 6 main ideas from the theory of evolution?

1) evolution happens

2) life is descended from common ancestors

3) speciation

4) evolution is not transformational but variational

5) gradualism and transitional

6) selection generates adaptation

evolution happens.. refers to what?

how alleles frwyuence and phenotypes in a population will change in following generations

speciation

branching events→ causes speciation where they branched into reproducing isolated beings from a common ancestor

what does “evolution is not transformational but variations” refer to?

evolution is NOT a change within an individuals life time, rather is the change WITHIN A POPULATION from following generation

what is meant by gradualism and transitional forms

it takes many generations to produce change and where transitional forms can be found via fossils