Evolution, by definition, is a theory that describes a change in one or more heritable characteristics of a population from generation to generation (Oxford Dictionaries). As a theory, evolution is not a proven fact. Instead evolution is simply a theory that has been supported by a large amount of evidence. While evolution has not been proven correct, many people still believe in this theory—or so we thought. Several people still do not believe and even fear the theory of evolution, this should not be the case. If people can find information about evolution, and not just accepting information from others, they can determine whether evolution is something to fear, is something that humans simply made up, or is actually an insightful theory that
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For instance, evolution helped in creating the phylogenetic tree which established the linkage between different species and linked species to a common ancestor. However, people who liked the idea of humans being the dominant species did not favor the idea of “humans [descending] from ape-like primates and (worst yet) bacterial slime—” (Sampson, 217). Some people just cannot imagine the idea of bacteria relating to the superior human being. Although it is important to remember that various bacteria can be harmful to humans and can even kill them. Moreover, the favorable view of humans isn’t terrible, however, as Sagan states, “Our perceptions may be distorted by training and prejudice or merely because of the limitations of our sense organs, which of course, perceive directly but a small fraction of the phenomena of the world” (1). In other words, if people have been taught the same thing for most of their live or if people rely on ours for knowledge than our views of the world will be shaped by other people and not by oneself. Therefore, people need to be able to go into the world in order to obtain knowledge and form their own views on the world, or in this case their own views on evolution. As more knowledge is obtained about evolution, the less fearful it will seem—after all we are often scared of the
For instance, evolution helped in creating the phylogenetic tree which established the linkage between different species and linked species to a common ancestor. However, people who liked the idea of humans being the dominant species did not favor the idea of “humans [descending] from ape-like primates and (worst yet) bacterial slime—” (Sampson, 217). Some people just cannot imagine the idea of bacteria relating to the superior human being. Although it is important to remember that various bacteria can be harmful to humans and can even kill them. Moreover, the favorable view of humans isn’t terrible, however, as Sagan states, “Our perceptions may be distorted by training and prejudice or merely because of the limitations of our sense organs, which of course, perceive directly but a small fraction of the phenomena of the world” (1). In other words, if people have been taught the same thing for most of their live or if people rely on ours for knowledge than our views of the world will be shaped by other people and not by oneself. Therefore, people need to be able to go into the world in order to obtain knowledge and form their own views on the world, or in this case their own views on evolution. As more knowledge is obtained about evolution, the less fearful it will seem—after all we are often scared of the