Factors that Cause People to Refine or Change Theories

In this essay, I will explain what factors contribute to changing or refining a theory such as that of evolution. I will be using the examples that are given in taskstream. This is a theory of evolution espousing that species changed because they acquired traits from using or not using particular body parts, and that these acquired traits were passed on to offspring. For example, according to that theory, giraffes have long necks because they stretched to eat leaves on high branches, and therefore their young were born with longer necks. I will be using Darwin's theory of evaluation to explain why and how theories are refined.

Darwin's theory states that original life forms evolved into more complex life forms through a natural process of random mutations. But Darwin's theory has been refined or modified, because of a few problems with his theory. The discovery of flaws led to the refining of Darwin's theory. Three contributing factors that led to this theory being refined are: fossil evidence and genetic drift.

When we talk about fossil evidence we are referring to actual fossils. We sit down and look at several fossils of the same species and compare them to each other, looking for change. Of the 250 million fossils in museum, there are no transitional fossils. Darwin's theory explains for gradual changes, but another factor must account for the sudden appearance of new species.

Another reason Darwin's theory has been refined is because of genetic drift. Darwin did not know about genetic drift so he obviously couldn't include into his theory. Genetic drift is the modern refinement to his theory. Darwin believed that natural selection acted upon every detail of an organism's anatomy. Some species seems to change gradually over time even without evolutionary pressure "selecting". High school math can confirm that the time from beginning of the universe is inadequate to manufacture even one viable new gene because of the difficulty of the progression.

To understand Darwin's hypothesis we need to understand what exactly a theory and hypothesis is. Theories explain facts they are not a guess they are the frame work of science. A hypothesis is an idea that explains phenomenon or articulate suggestion symptomatic of a likely correspondence between numerous phenomena. A scientific hypothesis is a testable statement about the natural world. Hypothesis are usually made about the connection of variables. One of Darwin's hypothesis about variation said: inheritable features may vary from individual to individual. Darwin's test his hypotheses by examining several different fossils and observing animals and plants. From that and other hypotheses he drew his theory of the natural selection.

Darwin's theory is essentially saying that species produce offspring which are slightly different from their parents, and natural selection will favor the survival of those individuals who adapt to their environment. Darwin's original theory does not correctly explain observed phenomena, but that the new theory provides a more logical explanation and is accepted and therefore it is refined or changed theory. Refinement of a theory increase explanatory power by proving old theory was incorrect. As we move forward in time we find errors or mistake in work from the past , Just as future generation will find mistakes in our work. By refining a theory we broaden of vase a ray of knowledge.

SciPhi, (2006, Febuary 12). How science undergoes changes of theory. Retrieved June 9, 2006, from everythig2 Web site: How science undergoes changes of theory (Sciphi 2006)

Matteo, A (1992). The Paradox of the Universe. Retrieved June 9, 2006, from Science & Spirit Web site: http://www.science-spirit.org/article_detail.php?article_id=267 (Matteo 1992)