ABSTRACT
The theory of evolution is not speculation. Scientific research has shown that the major principles are well established. Based on this realization, the theory of evolution is a factual account of the origins of species. Even though most scientists accept the process of evolution, there are still disputes over minor details. For example, some evolutionary biologists argue that very rapid steps in evolution can occur (e.g., Alvarez, 1982; Alvarez, Alvarez, Asaro, & Michel, 1980; Alvarez, Asaro & Michel, 1980; Alvarez, Asaro, Michel, & Alvarez, 1982), whereas others favor a more gradual elaboration of species characteristics (see Gould, 1989, 2002 for punctuated versus gradual evolution). Another issue involves the unit of selection. Some researchers emphasize the gene rather than the individual as the unit of selection. From this perspective, the organism is simply the gene’s way of “getting into the next generation” (Dawkins, 1976). All of these viewpoints are consistent with the major principle
of natural selection. Thus, disagreements about how evolution operates do not challenge the fact of evolution (Barash, 1982).
