Evolution is better supported by evidence than creationism.

Now I would like to begin with my opening arguments. What is the theory of evolution? The theory of evolution (referred to as TOE from here on) is the theory that all life came from a common ancestor, and that life began on Earth billions of years ago (estimated to be 3.8bya) with simple life forms. (note: TOE is NOT an explanation of how the first life began). These simple life forms eventually evolved to the first single-celled organisms, which evolved into the first multi-cellular life, which evolved into more complex organisms such as those seen today. This process usually takes millions of years to produce major anatomical changes in an organism. The mechanism that achieves this is the mutation of DNA. DNA is known to mutate in some way, whether it be beneficial or harmful, with every generation, and that these mutations create traits in an organism not present in the previous generation. These mutations are usually nearly imperceptible. What stops evolution from being entirely random? DNA mutations are kept in check with a system known as natural selection. DNA mutations must be passed on to the next generation through genetics in order for a trait to survive. This both drives evolution, and restrains it. If an organism dies for any reason before it can procreate, then any new mutations it has perish with it. This ensures that harmful mutations that hinder the survival of an organism don't continue, while beneficial mutations will help the organism to thrive above its peers and ensure the passing of new mutations to the next generation. What conditions might cause a species to evolve? Evolution is driven by necessity. In most cases a DNA mutation won't create noticeably better results in an organism. This means that their chances of survival are practically equal to that of their peers and the genetic mutation has an equal chance of continuing or being lost. It is often the case that the species as a whole has to be in danger of extinction before a noticeable change can occur. This danger can come from a loss of food sources, climate change, predatory species evolving an advantage over prey and many other situations. It is in these situations that a small beneficial change can mean a big difference in the survival of a species and the genetic mutations they possess. What is the evidence for TOE? The evidence for TOE is quite numerous, and each new piece of evidence that is found only strengthens the theory. It is so evident, in fact, that TOE is the very foundation of the field of biology as we know it today. Below, I will list just some of the evidence for TOE, as I can't fit all of it into one round. The fossil record: The fossil record is the most cited and the clearest evidence in favor of TOE. On rare occasion, when an organism dies the remains can be preserved in the form of minerals that take the form of the expired organism over tens of thousands to millions of years after its death. These are fossils. Fossils can be separated from the surrounding rock and sediment to give researchers a clear picture of the skeletal structure and sometimes the anatomy of ancient remains. (1) The overall collection of these fossils is known as the fossil record. Using various dating methods such as strata layering and radiometric dating, we know the approximate age of these fossils. (2) When the fossil record is arranged in chronological order (the oldest known fossil being 3.5 billion years old), we see a clear lineage of species from less complex to more complex as time goes on. We even have a large number of 'transitional' (between major species) fossils that show evolution in action, including those of the evolution of man from early apes. (3) DNA comparison: Another strong line of evidence in support of TOE is the evidence present in DNA. According to the predictions of TOE, we should see much shared DNA between close evolutionary ancestors. Using DNA sequencing it is possible to compare the DNA between two species and we find that, in accordance to TOE predictions, close ancestors do share the majority of their DNA while distant ancestors share far less. (4) Observed examples of natural selection: There have been many observed examples of natural selection. Here are a few examples: Sp. K172, a. k. a. nylon-eating bacteria: Sp. K172 is a strain of flavobacterium discovered in 1975 that has evolved to survive solely by digesting nylon through the use of enzymes not known to exist in any other strains of flavobacterium. This is especially intriguing considering nylon is a man-made material and is not known to have existed before its invention in 1935. (5) Tomcods: Between 1947 and 1976, General Electric dumped toxins known as polychlorinated biphenyls into the Hudson river. Even though the EPA forced GE to stop dumping the toxins in 1976, the toxin levels remained until 2009. Initially, the tomcod (a type of fish) population was devastated. However, the fish population slowly began to return. Researchers decided to investigate how the fish could survive despite toxin levels that should have killed them. They found that the tomcods had evolved a mutation in their genes that resisted the binding of the toxins to their cells. They also found that 99% of the tomcod population had inherited this mutation. (6) Lactose tolerance in humans: In most mammals, including humans, the production of enzymes required to break down milk shuts down resulting in an intolerance for milk. However, in some cultures where it is commonplace to drink milk and ingest other raw dairy products, it has been found that humans have developed a mutation of chromosome 2 that prevents the production of the enzyme from shutting down. (7) Observed examples of speciation: Speciation is the rise of a whole new species. Here are a few examples of observed speciation: Madeira house mouse: An instance where a single species of mouse was inadvertently introduced to the island of Madeira. 500 years later it was discovered that the single species of mouse had diverged into 6 separate species of mouse, each with different numbers of chromosomes. (8) Shortfin mollies: In Mexico, a fish known as the shortfin molly is splitting into two distinct species due to predatory threats, each preferring a different environment. (9) Apple maggot fly: Sometime in the mid-1800s a new species of hawthorn fly evolved to specifically target apples, a non-native species to North America. Analysis of the new species' DNA reveals significant differences as compared to other hawthorn flies. (10) Vestigial structures: One major point of interest is the study of vestigial structures. These are structures or organs in the body that are underdeveloped and serve little to no use to the current species, but served a greater purpose in ancestors. This is because over time the vestigial structure was no longer necessary or became a hindrance to the species. This results in it genes for it being selected against. Some examples of vestigial structures are: The human coccyx, which is the remnants of an ancestral tail. It still serves limited purpose, which explains why it hasn't disappeared entirely. The wings of flightless birds such as the emu and ostrich, whose ancestors were capable of flight. Hind leg bones in whales, remnants of when they were once land-dwelling mammals. (11) Closing Con may try to cast doubt on the TOE, but when considered together the evidence paints a clear picture. One that the science community overwhelmingly accepts. One that cannot be simply explained away. A picture of common ancestry through evolution. Sources: 1. . http://tinyurl.com... 2. . http://tinyurl.com... 3. . http://tinyurl.com... 4. . http://tinyurl.com... 5. . http://tinyurl.com... 6. . http://tinyurl.com... 7. . http://tinyurl.com... 8. . http://tinyurl.com... 9. . http://tinyurl.com... 10. . http://tinyurl.com... 11. . http://tinyurl.com...