When the evolution theory was first introduced, it generated a lot of controversies as most biologists universally accepted it. It is one of the most supported, powerful, and elegant theories in the science world. The theory provides the best explanation for diversity in the natural world. It provides a good understanding of the scientifically literate society and for those who are curious to know various forms of life. However, there are many misconceptions that are against the theory of evolution that act as obstacles to the actual understanding. This paper will describe the various misconceptions of evolution and how they apply to the topic of biopsychology.
Misconceptions of evolution
a) Evolution is just but a theory
Critics of the evolution theory dismiss its significance by confounding how scientists in their everyday activities use the word "theory." According to science, a theory is a tested and verified explanation, which is achieved through the observation of the natural environment. For example, there is the theory of relativity, the theory of the atom, and theory of gravity which describe some specific facts concerning the world. Just like these theories, the evolution theory provides facts concerning the living world. Critics of the evolution theory claim that it is just a theory, and this is because it is still in the testing process, thus little evidence to support it (West & Gardner, 2011).
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b) Evolution theory does not explain the origin of life
Scientists believe that evolution should include an explanation of the origin of life. The theory of evolution does not explain anything about the origin of life. It tries to explain the diversities involved in the origin of species and population change. It explains the changes experienced by species over time. The evolution theory also fails to explain the origin of the first cells and the definition of life. The explanation about the origin of life is a difficult problem, and this is because it occurred many years ago, and maybe it occurred once (Heddy & Sinatra, 2013).
c) Humans descended from monkeys
The evolution theory claims that human descended from monkeys. This claim is not valid because it is not possible that our great-great-great-ancestors were monkeys. It explains that we have common ancestors with the apes and monkeys and they are the closest species on earth that humans have closest relatives with. Scientists claim that the common ancestors that existed on earth seven million years ago were neither humans nor monkeys, but they looked like apes, which favored the application of tools (Buss, 2015).
d) Evolution is not compatible with religion
The evolution theory uses natural causes to describe a natural phenomenon, while religion is concerned with beliefs which are beyond the natural world. Most recently, Pope Francis claimed that the evolution theory is not compatible with the Catholic faith. In addition, Reverend Malcom Brown stated that natural selection helps us to understand the physical evolutionary process that occurred several years ago. He added that a good theory is the one that works constructively with religion and vice versa (Barnes & Brownell, 2017).
Conclusion
The evolution theory is a problematic concept which has led to various misconceptions concerning how it works. Many scientists believe that it is just a theory because there is less evidence supporting it, and it is still in the testing process. Also, the theory does not explain the origin of life. It only explains how species changed over time. The theory explains that humans descended from monkeys, which is not true because there is no evidence that our ancestors were monkeys. Finally, the theory does not work constructively with religion. The misconceptions are significant to the topic of biopsychology because they promote conceptual change and positive effect among students learning about biological evolution.
References
Barnes, M. E., & Brownell, S. E. (2017). Impact of a short evolution module on students’ perceived conflict between religion and evolution. The American Biology Teacher, 79(2) , 104-111.
Buss, D. (2015). Evolutionary psychology: The new science of the mind. New York: Psychology Press.
Heddy, B. C., & Sinatra, G. M. (2013). Transforming misconceptions: Using transformative experience to promote positive affect and conceptual change in students learning about biological evolution . Science Education, 97(5) , 723-744.
West, S. A., & Gardner, A. (2011). Sixteen common misconceptions about the evolution of cooperation in humans . Evolution and human behavior, 32(4) , 231-262.
