‘Survival of the fittest’ is a line that best sums up a common man’s understanding of the subject ‘Theory of Evolution’. Encountered as an obligatory topic in school biology lessons, Theory of Evolution is often left behind in the classroom. While it might seem distant from everyday life, the subject of evolution stirs up significant debate and chaos in the scientific world. Researchers are still trying to unlock the mysteries of how life truly began on Earth. Despite its central positioning in modern biological studies, the theory of evolution remains one of the most fragmented and contested areas of science.
Theory of Evolution: Even with years of intense study, the most basic question about evolution remains unanswered – ‘How did life begin on Earth?’ Join us on this exploration as we examine the Theory of Evolution and its various interpretations and uncover the profound and sometimes unthinkable aspects of evolution, challenging our understanding of the origin of life and, ultimately, ourselves.
What is the Theory of Evolution?
Charles Darwin’s theory laid the groundwork for the evolutionary theory. His Theory of Evolution posits that all living organisms have descended from a common ancestor through a process of gradual change over time.
The primary mechanism behind this process is natural selection, as proposed by Charles Darwin in 1859 in his seminal work, ‘On the Origin of Species’. Natural selection suggests that individuals with traits better suited to their environment have a higher likelihood of surviving and reproducing, passing those advantageous traits to subsequent generations. Over time, these small, accumulated changes can lead to the emergence of new species.
Example
Let’s go back to school biology classes for a moment. Imagine a prey animal that is slower than most of its predators. By chance, if it produces offspring with slightly faster running speed due to random mutations, then that small increase in speed gives these offspring a better chance of escaping predators and therefore, surviving. The longer they live, the more opportunities they have to reproduce and pass on the genes that made them quicker.
Some of their descendants might inherit even greater speed, further boosting their chances of survival. Over countless generations and vast stretches of time, these small improvements add up. Eventually, after millions of years, you have animals that can run as swiftly as cheetahs or antelopes.
This is what we have learned in school as an outline of the theory of evolution.
Critical Note 1:
The key tenets of Darwin’s theory of evolution were variation in traits, overproduction of offsprings, struggle for existence, natural selection and descent with modification. His focus was on how one species could transform into a new and distinct species. What Darwin failed to provide was a satisfactory head start to the theory of evolution.
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Evolution implies a continuous process of change from an initial state, but what was this original state? Who created us?
Darwin’s theory of evolution jumps straight to the evolution of species without addressing their initial emergence. The real challenge of understanding evolution lies in tracing these changes back to the very beginning.
Darwin attempted to cover this gap by simply proposing that all species of organisms have descended from common ancestors through gradual changes. But who were these ancestors? Did humans really evolve from primates, or is there more to the story that Darwin did not address?
How Many Theories of Evolution Exist?
Darwin’s Theory of Evolution caused an upheaval in the scientific community in the 19th century. Subsequently, biologists ensued in a still-pursued battle over the theory of evolution, each wanting to be the one who can explain how we ‘evolved’.
Consequential discoveries in genetics, molecular biology and paleontology led to more evolutionary theories. Below are some known theories:
- Lamarckism: Proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, this theory predates Darwin’s work and suggests that organisms can acquire traits during their lifetime based on need and then pass these acquired traits to their offspring. An often-cited example is the giraffe, which, according to Lamarck, evolved long necks as ancestors stretched to reach higher leaves.
- Mutationism: This theory of evolution, developed by Hugo de Vries, posits that evolution occurs primarily through sudden, large-scale mutations in the genetic material of an organism. These mutations create new species, and natural selection then acts upon these new forms.
- Punctuated Equilibrium: Proposed by paleontologists Niles Eldredge and Stephen Jay Gould, this theory challenges the gradualism of Darwinian evolution. Punctuated equilibrium suggests that species remain relatively stable for a long period of time. It states that significant evolutionary changes occur in rapid bursts, often due to sudden environmental changes.
- Neutral Theory of Molecular Evolution: Proposed by Motoo Kimura, this theory argues that most evolutionary changes at the molecular level are caused by random genetic drift rather than by natural selection. It highlights the importance of neutral mutations that do not necessarily confer any advantage or disadvantage.
Critical Note 2:
Theory of Evolution: All these theories of evolution often start right in the midst of the process, adorned with technical jargon like ‘molecular level’ and ‘genetic mutations’.
They sidestep the most fundamental questions:
- How does a cell operate?
- Who engineered the intricate and tireless machinery of the human and animal bodies, with their complex organs working in concert?
- What is the driving force behind this sophisticated design?
These theories of evolution resemble fragmented pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, with crucial pieces still missing. The real puzzle lies not just in understanding evolutionary changes but in deciphering the origins of the design itself. Who is that One entity, who can truly piece together this complex puzzle?
Modern Evolutionary Theory
Modern Evolutionary Theory, also known as the Modern Synthesis, merges Darwin’s natural selection with genetic and molecular advances. The key components are:
- Genetic Variation: Emphasises that genetic mutations and recombinations create diversity within populations.
- Natural Selection: Builds on Darwin’s ideas, suggesting that individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, gradually shaping populations.
- Genetic Drift: Recognises random changes in allele frequencies, particularly in small populations, which can influence evolution independently of natural selection.
- Gene Flow: Highlights the role of migration in introducing new genes and increasing genetic diversity within populations.
- Speciation: Explains how new species emerge through isolation and differing selective pressures, leading to genetic divergence.
- Molecular Evolution: Incorporates molecular biology to understand how genetic changes affect traits and drive evolutionary processes.
Critical Note 3:
None of the above aspects of the Modern Evolutionary Theory provide a satisfactory answer to our heredity.
Some key questions and observations:
- Do these random components truly represent the real force of life?
- Modern Evolutionary Theory has shifted focus from entire species to the genetic level. Yet, it does not explain why a particular gene survives and is passed down to offspring?
- Recent experiments suggest that natural selection and genetic mutations may not work in harmony as once thought, potentially undermining the role of natural selection. With scientific theories evolving with each new discovery, how can they be trusted by the common man?
- Much like Darwin’s theory, the Modern Evolutionary Theory addresses the middle of the evolutionary journey but falls short of explaining the origins of life itself.
The Search For True Origin Of Life
Science has always lived in denial of the existence of God. Reasonings that are not based on God are believed to be strictly scientific. Darwin’s theory of evolution, though glorified as a breakthrough in understanding evolution, never acknowledged the Creator.
Ironically, despite decades of rigorous scientific effort, researchers have still not been able to answer the most fundamental question- ‘How did life begin?’ Avoiding the source of Creation can never lead to the answer to evolution of life.
Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj reveals that the core reason for utter confusion in this world today is failing to understand the Creation of Nature. He emphasises that Creation of Nature is the master key to unlock the mysteries of not only life on Earth, but in all the universes that exist.
A particularly noteworthy incident in the Shrimad Devi Bhagavata Purana is that Lord Brahma admits to his son Narad that upon gaining consciousness in this world, several thoughts raced across his mind. He wondered how he originated and who was his protector (Page 115, Holy Devi Bhagwat Puran, Published by Geeta Press Gorakhpur). An important question here is – How did Brahma, who is regarded as the creator of this universe in Hinduism, not know about his own origin?
If deities and scientists alike do not know about our origins, then Who does?
Our Transition From An Eternal To A Mortal World
A brief revisit to the three critical notes in this exploration echoes one singular truth – a sheer disregard for our true Creator led everyone astray, deities and scientists alike.
All the foundational scriptures of various religions reveal Supreme God Kabir as our Creator. He has been addressed as KavirDev, Kabira, Khabiran, Khabira, el Kabir, Allahu Akbar and Kabir Saheb across scriptures. He created all the universes and the souls in them.
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji is the only saint who has infused life into this so-far-dormant evidence concealed within our sacred scriptures. He has effortlessly dissected and interpreted our holy texts, revealing the hidden truths. Only a Tatvdarshi Sant (Complete Saint) can divulge the concealed wisdom within our scriptures. Sant Rampal Ji has pinpointed decisive evidence, proving the identity of our Creator as God Kabir.
Living in denial about the existence of the all-pervading God Kabir and His divine grace, only leads to failure. Just like all the scientists so far who could not even succeed in describing the tip of the iceberg, oblivious to its great depth.
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj reveals the most shocking aspect of evolution that might be difficult to believe, but is the reality of our mortal existence on Earth. Our place of origin is not planet Earth. Instead, we were residents of God Kabir’s eternal abode Satlok. How did we transition from an immortal abode to this mortal, decaying world?
Unlock this mystery of our evolution, through the irrefutable insights of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj on:
- Website: www.jagatgururampalji.org
- YouTube: Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
- Facebook: Spiritual Leader Saint Rampal Ji
- Twitter: @SaintRampalJiM
Theory of Evolution: FAQs
Question: Who is the founder of evolutionary theory?
Answer: Charles Darwin is commonly considered as the founder of the theory of evolution.
Question: Who is the father of evolutionary theory in sociology?
Answer: Charles Darwin is widely considered as the father of evolutionary theory in sociology.
Question: Why is evolution a theory?
Answer: These theories are derived from observations and are a provisional explanation.
