Natural selection, the main mechanism of evolution, basically states that all the biodiversity of life that currently exists has undergone evolution and can be traced back to a common ancestor (origin of life). It suggests that natural selection chooses the fittest organisms (most well-adapted) to survive to pass on the traits to their offspring.
One of the evidences, comparative anatomy and molecular biology shows that some animals have similar features, such as DNA comparisons and similar bone structures, and they are likely to have common ancestor. For example, as mentioned earlier, humans and chimpanzees have 98.7% of similar genes.
A. R. Wallace theory that originated before Darwin’s, is also in line with the theory of evolution proposed by Darwin. It states that only the best fitted organisms survive to prevent overcrowding.
Despite all these evidences, there are theories that contradict with natural selection by evolution. Firstly, before Darwin’s time, people did not believe that everything branched out from a single source. The theory formulated by Lermarck, which is the total opposite of Darwin’s, states that animals evolved to suit the environment. Secondly, the Intelligent Design proposes the idea that conventional rigid science cannot be the explanation of all, and uses religious reasons to back up the theory of evolution. Thirdly, Creationism brought forth the idea that God is the main creator of evolution. It was based on the Bible and claimed to convey messages sent by God through people.
All mentioned theories attempt to explain evolution and the diversity of life. However, the theory of evolution by Darwin is a scientific explanation based on observations and experimentations. It is much more accurate than the others as it is supported by concrete evidences. It also lays the foundation of many developed branches of science knowledge, such as antibiotic resistance and accounts for artifacts.
On the other hand, intelligent designs and creationism are not scientific based and cannot be tested through experiments. They are just mere religious assumptions posed by faithful followers of God and are unreliable, as they do not have evidence to prove their stand. In addition, Lamark’s theory does not show as much accuracy as Darwin’s too, as observations have proven it wrong.
Since Darwin’s theory provides a scientific foundation for the basis of life, we should separate the science from religious study. This would enable us to conclude the senseless conflict between religion and science in the society and prove Darwin’s theory reliable and worth analyzing by learners.