Final Writing Assignment Q2 Evolution

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Smith, 1 Lauren Smith Professor Paul Sell IDS 2935: Knowledge and the Universe 1 December 2023 Final Writing Assignment: Evolution Evolution is a scientifically based theory that is widely supported by scientists. It is defined as the process by which living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from each other. In this essay, I will discuss the main foundations of evolution, and its evidence, establish a Bayesian model, and then delve into the debate surrounding evolution and its implications. Scientifically, there are a few key ideas that encompass evolution. The first is Natural Selection, which forms the foundation of evolution. This concept states that organisms better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on beneficial traits through genetics. Natural selection is further driven by genetic drift and gene flow. Genetic drift is the random change in the frequency of alleles (genes) in a population, for example, migration, mutation, or chance events like a natural disaster wiping out more species of a certain trait, than the other, allowing this trait to predominate and exist throughout the species. Gene Flow is a second aspect of evolution within populations. Gene flow is the movement of genetic material from one population to another, ex. breeding or hybridization. This increases the genetic diversity within a population and allows for a greater adaptation to environmental changes as a trait may be more favorable and then more likely to survive, leading back to the principle of natural selection. These principles are all possible because of the idea of spontaneous genetic mutations of Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA), where random switches or mutations in DNA

Smith, 2 pairs create new variations of gene expression over extended periods. DNA has 4 nucleotides each in pairs and when these pairs randomly mutate or switch, they can create new variations of gene expression with only little changes, this process is very slow and occurs over very long time periods. There is substantial scientific evidence supporting evolution. Firstly, Paleontology and the fossil record reveal the progression of life from simple to complex forms. This is exemplified by the evolution of horses from small, five-toed mammals over millions of years, as seen through fossils. Comparative anatomy also demonstrates similarities in anatomical structures across different organisms, such as the common bone structure in the forelimbs of humans, whales, and bats. Additionally, there is Biogeography, the study of life distribution on Earth, which traces the impact of continental drift on the distribution of plants and animals. As well as, Molecular biology and DNA sequencing further support evolution, highlighting commonalities in DNA sequences among living organisms and similarities in the genome. Finally, direct observations of evolution can also be made in organisms with short lifespans, like bacterial antibiotic resistance and the evolution of new strains in viruses. In summation there are a variety of fields of study and evidence in support of evolution, to a point where to some scientists this might feel like an overwhelming amount of evidence, rejecting any priors. Even though there are large studies of scientific fields of evidence in support of evolution, various priors from religion, politics, and families all have a large impact on the belief of evolution. In a Pew Research Poll on Evolution in 2019, 33% of all Americans said that humans evolved due to processes like natural selection with no involvement by God or a higher power, while 48% believed that human evolution occurred through processes guided by God or a higher power, and the 18% of Americans rejected evolution entirely. (Pew Research, 2019).

Smith, 3 Some religious private schools continue to teach creationism, which views life from a religious standpoint, denying evolution and asserting that humans have always existed in their current form. Despite evolution being a mandatory topic in all 50 states in America, its depth of coverage varies. Notably, in 2017, the Texas Board of Education contemplated a law requiring teachers to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of evolution, a move aimed at undermining evolutionary teachings (Fogel, 2017). State and federal legislation continue to target the teaching of evolution in schools. Pew Research also found that 98 percent of scientists think humans have evolved over time, and not existed in present form since the beginning, and 76% of U.S. adults said they knew scientists held this view. (2021) This proves that the average American is aware of the evolutionary scientific perspective of science but there seems to be some disconnect in belief for individuals themselves. Evidence in the realm of evolution encompasses diverse factors, with religious beliefs often influencing individuals' priors, considering religious texts as potential evidence for or against evolution. Although Protestants and Catholics predominantly believe in evolution guided by a higher power, a higher percentage within these groups still reject evolution compared to the general public (Pew Research, 2019). Various factors, including politics, age, gender, and family, contribute to the extent of an individual's belief in evolution. This diversity of influences allows for the application of a Bayesian inference model, with three hypotheses derived from a Pew Research Study: H1 - Humans evolved without divine involvement (33%), H2 - Human evolution occurred guided by God or a higher power (48%), and H3 - Humans always existed in their present form, rejecting evolution entirely (18%). When presented with new evidence, such as the direct witnessing of the diversification of various COVID-19 strains, there is a fifty-fifty

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Smith, 4 likelihood of an increased belief in evolution. Multiplying each probability by 0.5 yields posterior probabilities of H1 at 0.165, H2 at 0.24, and H3 at 0.09, indicating H2 as the most likely, suggesting a central belief in the combination of evolution and a higher power. Contrary to popular belief, religion, and evolution do not necessarily oppose each other. While some religions conflict with evolution, others support it. Ultimately, individuals determine their beliefs based on personal priors and the importance they assign to evidence. In general, science usually oops to weigh religious texts as not scientific evidence and therefore discard them in discussions of evolution. The ongoing debate on evolution and religion persists, fueled by a wealth of scientific evidence. This prompts discussions about belief, faith, and their varied meanings to different individuals. Unfortunately, because there is such a large difference in religious beliefs and many people hold these priors and religious texts to such a high level of respect and fact that it is very hard to break these religious beliefs. For instance, an agnostic individual might be unwilling to accept evolution if it involves guidance by God or a higher power, while someone with religious beliefs may acknowledge evolution but attribute it to divine guidance. This begs the question if there can be some disconnect between science and religion or if they could in fact work hand in hand. These two perspectives are both valid and can be argued for on either side. The third perspective that rejects evolution entirely may lead to more harm than good as we saw with misinformation and lack of teaching due to complicated legislation which makes it harder for teachers. Ideally closing the knowledge gap for those who reject evolution could occur through improved education and awareness on the issue. Accessible, unbiased, and scientifically presented educational resources could facilitate objective teaching of evolution in schools, fostering diverse opinions on the topic and creating open discussion.

Smith, 5 In conclusion, science and religion aren't inherently opposite. A middle ground can be found by acknowledging the coexistence of religious beliefs and scientific evidence for evolution. After all, our priors make us who we are, and religion is a large part of a lot of people's lives. Thus, telling people what they can and cannot believe in, doesn't create positive change, it only creates arguments. Ultimately, individuals' priors shape who they are, and respecting diverse beliefs while fostering compromise and understanding can help dispel misinformation and close the gap of opinions on the topic to make a better-informed world.

Smith, 6 References Evidence for Evolution (Article) . (2021). Khan Academy; Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-biology/natural-selection/common-ancestry-and- continuing-evolution/a/evidence-for-evolution Fogel, B. (2017, February 1). State board of education considers streamlining science standards. Texas Standard . https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/state-board-of-education- considers-streamlining-science-standards/ Masci, D. (2019, February 11). For Darwin Day, 6 facts about the evolution debate. Pew Research Center . https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/02/11/darwin-day/

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Final Writing Assignment Q2 Evolution

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