Evolutionary Theory: Controversial Yet Useful
Although the development of the theory of evolution is still often debated, in fact it has provided many benefits when applied to various areas of human life.
Sari Anugrahni
Discussions about the theory of evolution from time to time often give rise to a lot of debate. From a scientific perspective, the theory of evolution from several scientists is said to still have many weaknesses. That is why the theory of evolution continues to develop as new ideas emerge. On the other hand, the theory of evolution becomes increasingly controversial when confronted with religious views. Religiously, we certainly believe that nature and all its aspects are God's creation. However, whatever the debate, evolution has actually had a lot of positive impacts on the development of human life.
What is Evolution?
In general, evolution is the process of changing a population of organisms from one generation to the next, bringing inherited traits. This population change occurs slowly and involves three main processes, namely reproduction, variation and selection.
Traits inherited from living creatures can later vary within a population. Especially when the reproduction process occurs, there is a possibility that the offspring will have new characteristics. This new trait emerged due to various events. Starting from changes in genes due to mutations or gene transfer between species.
Examining the Development of Views on the Theory of Evolution
When talking about evolution, the name Charles Darwin certainly sounds more popular as the originator of his theory. In fact, long before Darwin, discussions about evolution existed. Likewise, after the Darwinian era, this theme continued to develop. There anything? The following are some popular ideas related to evolution that have existed.
1. Evolution in Aristotle's View
Aristotle stated that living things are fixed, perfect, and will not develop again. All living things are in a low-simple to high-complex hierarchy. His view of evolution like this is known as scalae naturae.
2. Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution
Launching from livescience.com, Darwin raised the issue of evolution, which is closely related to natural selection and adaptation. According to him, the evolution of living creatures occurs due to adaptation to the environment. Living creatures also go through a series of natural selection so that the strongest will survive. Apart from that, another concept from Darwin about evolution is that it mentions the existence of a common ancestor between humans and apes.
3. Evolution in the style of Jean-Baptise de Lamarck
Lamarck explained one of his ideas about evolution by highlighting the physical phenomenon of giraffes. This idea is known as use and disuse. According to him, giraffes originally only had short necks. However, because giraffes have to take leaves from the tops of trees as food, their necks slowly become longer. In essence, body parts that are often used by living creatures will develop. Meanwhile, body parts that are not used will actually be reduced. Furthermore, Lamarck said that changes in body shape could be passed on to subsequent offspring (inheritance of acquired characteristics).
4. Alfred Russel Wallace and Natural Selection
The essence of Wallace's view of evolution is almost similar to what was put forward by Darwin, namely regarding natural selection. According to Russell, all living creatures will go through a process of natural selection to survive. Even through natural selection and adaptation, there will be differences in the forms of living animals, even though they are the same type, for example, between the Javan Rhino and the Sumatran Rhino.
Benefits of Evolutionary Theory Applied to Life
As mentioned at the beginning, various ideas about evolution have brought many benefits to human life. There are many fields that have applied evolutionary theory to create interesting findings.
For example, in the health sector. Quoting from berkeley.edu, understanding the concept of evolution is very helpful for overcoming problems related to human biology. We can analyze many things associated with the emergence of disease. Starting from the history, as well as how to control this disease in the human body. With the concept of evolution, we can also develop an understanding of the body's resistance to drugs. Apart from that, evolution has greatly helped research into the problem of genetic disorders in humans.
Not only the human body but the concept of evolution has been used to estimate the condition of the endangered kakapo bird. In-depth research was carried out to see how female kakapo birds could produce more offspring and thus prevent extinction. Apart from that, in aquaculture, the concept of evolution is used to find the best way to increase the yield of cultivated fish. Interesting right?
Understanding the concept of evolution is dynamic. Of course, new ideas will continue to emerge. However, at least there are benefits from thinking about evolution, which has been applied to human life. So, if you think about it, are there any applications of the theory of evolution that you feel are close to your daily life?
