Why monkeys are still monkeys and other necessary questions about the theory of evolution
All over the world (except in Turkey), the theory of evolution is part of the set of knowledge that every child is taught during basic education. Except for those who are interested in science and receive higher education on the subject, the average adult grows with a vague idea that, roughly, conceives of evolution as a phenomenon whose greatest achievement, and most finished explanation, is in a an imprecise illustration that shows more or less bearded men who precede themselves according to the erectness of their walk and the physical attractiveness they carry with them.
Such misinformation opens up an abyss of doubts and misunderstandings about the most basic questions of evolution, even though it is the cornerstone of modern biology, a sophisticated theory with a powerful reasoning that would decisively change the way in which conceive life since then. What are the main doubts that afflict the general public on one of the pillars of modern science? Here are some considerations:
"Why does evolution not explain the origin of life?"
The theory of evolution is a scientific explanation of the evolution of life on Earth that describes the way in which species change over time and what are the factors that influence such transformations. Although evolution is closely related to the study of the dawn of life, it is not an attempt to determine the origin of life, but the diversification and multiplicity of its forms. Evolution does not explain (nor pretend to explain) the origin of life.
"Why are monkeys still monkeys and do not evolve into humans?"
This doubt is one of the most frequent in the general public and is frequently used as an "argument" from religion and other skeptical sectors of evolution. The argumentative error starts from the misunderstanding of a basic premise: humans do not come from the monkey. Actually, both species have a 'recent' common ancestor, to such a degree, that we share more than 90% of genetic similarity with chimpanzees. However, that does not mean in any way that the evolutionary process of the apes follows the same course as the human.
"Evolution is only a theory"
The theory of evolution - like the rest of scientific theories - was born as a postulate that tried to explain the transformation and the origin of the species through time. Darwin himself structured an ordered set of causal principles and relationships that gave substance to Darwinian evolution, which was proven through the study of hundreds of living species around the Earth. In addition to a theory that satisfactorily explains reality, with hypotheses demonstrated over and over again, evolution is a historical and biological fact that, according to scientific reasoning, today is undeniable.
"Evolution is random and always beneficial"
The intricate process of evolution of a species is based on different mechanisms, such as mutations that provide genetic variation, migration or natural selection. Although mutations are a random process, the primal mechanism and main engine of evolution, natural selection, is not: it is responsible for promoting the reproduction of those organisms whose features respond better to their environment, causing long-term term adaptation to the medium.
"Why do not humans keep evolving?"
The objective of evolution is the creation of organisms better adapted to the environment for their subsistence. In the case of human beings, the capacity for reasoning and consciousness have drastically changed the needs that afflicted our species 20 thousand years ago. The use of technology and knowledge in areas such as medicine, agriculture or engineering have facilitated our lives, for this reason, the evolutionary process of humans is different from that of other living beings and is influenced by the factors described above. , but this does not mean that evolution is not under way in our species.