One of the major components of evolution theory is common descent. This is the theory that every group of organisms descended from a common ancestor, and that all groups of organisms, including animals, plants, and microorganisms, ultimately go back to a single origin of life on earth.

Another component is the theory of gradualism. Simply stated, evolutionary change takes place through the gradua

Overall, evolution theory is still widely accepted and is still the foundation for the change in genetic characteristics in living things. It has gone through many changes since conceived by Charles Darwin in the 1830s. The importance of this is that scientists are aware that the theory needs to be revised as new evidence is found. For instance, as the fossil record grows, scientists must be able to determine if the new-found fossils are transitional. As new areas are surveyed and new species are found, scientists must fill in the gaps to determine if these species are linked to other known species. In many cases, scientists will not be able to fill in the gaps. This is not necessarily evidence that evolution theory is wrong. Limits in technology and incomplete understanding of known species will hinder this process. In some cases, evolution theory must be amended to include new findings or ideas. In essence, evolution theory must evolve to be more complete.

7. Isaak, Mark. Five Major Misconceptions about Evolution. 16 November 1998. http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/faq-misconceptions.html

6. Wallace, Timothy. Five Major Evolutionist Misconceptions about Evolution. September 2000. http://www.trueorigin.org/isakrbtl.htm

There is a large group of people that do not subscribe to the theory of evolution as stated. One of the largest of these groups is creationists. Evolution theory contradicts much of the dogma of most religions. Since there are so many different faiths in the world, the differences between evolution theory and Christian creationism will be discussed.

3. Anderson, Barbara. Survey of Biology 100 Laboratory Guide 3rd edition. Illinois: Stipes Publishing, 1995.

Groups other that creationists also have issues with aspects of evolution. In 1996, The New York Times reported that scientists had re-examined two major fossil sites in Java, and found that Homo erectus may have lived there as recently as "27,000 years ago". This dating analysis, conducted by McMaster University geologists Henry Schwarcz and Jack Rink, serves to cast doubt on the evidence for human evolution if it can be shown that Homo erectus lived at the same time as modern man. It is possible that Homo erectus may be no more than racial variants of Homo sapiens.

9. The Talk Origins Archive-Creationism and Evolution

Darwin's finches are a group of 13 finch species on the Galapagos Islands. They show a great variety of beak sizes and shapes, each adapted to the species food source. The birds that eat insect and small seeds have small, skinny beaks, which are great for grabbing insects and tiny seeds. The finches that eat large seeds have large, short, wide beaks that can grasp and crack large seeds. These great adaptations to their food source ar

Some common words found in the essay are:
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