Evolution: The Most Important Theory in Biology

摘要

Evolution, in the sense of the origin of all organisms from common ancestors and the modification of their characteristics over time, is a fact. It is explained by a well supported but still growing theory of evolutionary processes. The data and theory of evolutionary biology together provide explanation of and insights into all the fields of biological science, because all features of all organisms have arisen through evolutionary change. Evolution therefore provides understanding both the unity and the di-versity of life. The understanding gained from basic research on evolution has important practical ap-plications in management of living natural resources, conservation of biodiversity, food production, pest management, and human health. Evolution provides a rationale for research on other organisms as models of human biology, and it contributes to the challenging project of understanding what it means to be human. The scientific, practical, and philosophical implications of evolution make it the most im-portant theory in biology.