Theory of Evolution

The theory of evolution is a secular science model which suggests that all organisms have descended from a common ancestor. Through the processes of descent with modification and natural selection, the first molecules of life slowly became more complex and eventually brought about the plants and animals, including man, known today. The theory of evolution suggests that the first self-replicating molecules formed about 3.5 billion years ago. Then organisms went through a stage of diversification about 1 billion years ago. Later, man appeared about 1 million years ago.

Descent with modification is a fundamental concept of evolution. This concept requires a method for increasing orders of complexity. Modern genetic studies have given details into how this modifcation can occur. Some genetic mutations are thought to be beneficial to life by better adapting it to the environment and helping in reproducation. Then, through the process of natural selection, these mutations continue into future generations.

Technically, the theory of evolution is a study of the common descent of organisms and does not include the earth sciences. However, the term 'evolution' has gained a more generic use which includes the naturalistic origins of everything rather than just living things. The primary model used in naturalistic origins is the Big Bang theory which states the universe started in an explosion or expansion of a dense collection of particles approximately 18 billion years ago. The planets, stars, and galaxies slowly formed through uniformitarian processes. The Earth started taking its current form about 4.5 billion years ago. Uniformitarianism predicts that, over time, the erosional and depositional processes should form layers createing a standard geologic column.

The theory of evolution states that there is a slow and gradual change from simpler life forms, like viruses and bacteria, to more complex life forms including organisms such as plants and animals. It also states that many life forms that were less successful have died out and become extinct. Such a development should leave a fossil record showing the gradual changes in organisms. There should also be a development of simple languages to more complex languages, especially in man.