Natural Selection
Author: Professor Walter J. Veith, PhD
Summary: How does natural selection really work? Does it correspond or conflict with the concept of evolution?
 
 

Much of the evolutionary theory is based on natural selection.

How does this process really work? This article will help clarify exactly what is wrong and what is right about this popular foundational theory.

To begin with, we need to understand what natural selection IS and what it ISN'T. Natural selection only works if there is more than one kind of creature in existence. This may seem like an overly simplified statement, but it actually strikes at the heart of a huge misconception on the part of many.

Natural selection is an eliminator. In other words, if there are two variations of a creature, the theory goes that natural selection chooses the fittest—or best—and allows the unfittest—or weakest—to become extinct.

This goes against the evolutionary concept of more and more varied species evolving through natural selection, as natural selection creates less and less varied species. Without a pre-existing variation of species, evolution by natural selection would be impossible. Natural selection cannot explain the abundance of species we currently see on our planet if all these species stemmed from a single ancestor.

The variation that Darwin observed in the finches and other organisms on his voyage with the Beagle led to the concept of evolution by natural selection. This is significant because of the mindset during Darwin's time.

At that time, the Christian European concept of Creation was that God had created immutable, unchangeable species. It was believed that each species was created individually by God exactly as it appears today, and could not change or develop variation. The way species were, and still are, classified uses this concept to a large extent.

Before we can even consider natural selection as an evolutionary force, we need to make several assumptions.

We must assume that millions of chance mutations took place in cells and genes making an organism from which to choose. We must also assume that the genes for the varying cells in our bodies will need to have come about by chance.

By chance, these cells must have developed genes that permit the cells to communicate or work together, or else the organism will not even work. By chance, genes that switch the cell's functions on or off also need appear. All these chance mutations need to occur before an organism can be "selected" by natural selection, because otherwise, there is no organism to choose from. But, a choice requires at least two options. So, all those chance mutations need to occur a second time to create a second organism from which to then choose from.

Is it logical to assume all these chance mutations took place without checking to see if they are even probable? 

And how can a process (natural selection) that eliminates species actually make more and more? It is NOT possible. All this requires a large amount of faith in the god of "chance," and in an occurrence whose improbability is enormous. Read more in Natural Selection as a Creative Force 

Articles
Natural Remedies
Get Healthy!
Get solid advice for holistic health.
Laws of health Balanced Living
A Happy Family Getting a Good Start
Heart Health Use it or Lose it!
Improving Your Blood Circulation
Gardening
Growing your own food can be rewarding and nutritious. Learn how with these informative articles.
Organic Gardening for Your Health and Budget
Back to the Garden
Core Research
Get back to the facts on important health issues such as diets, medications, and diseases.
Soy Safety Summarized Magnesium
Mammograms or Thermal Imaging?
Dietary Patterns for Adults
Different Diets for Different Blood Types?
Diseases of the Mind
The Medical Properties of Clay
An Ounce of Prevention
Tylenol, the tip of the iceberg
Multiple Sclerosis
Healthy Living Resources
Articles, charts, and graphs that inform and help us put into practice good health principles.
Healthy Snack Alternatives
Sources of Calcium - Chart
Animal Products and Food-borne Illness
Schedule for a Healthy Lifestyle
Pain Management 101
Compatible Combinations of Plant Foods - Graph
Acid and Alkaline Ash Food Groups - Graph
Health Hazards
Many of the ways we "care" for our bodies can actually be harmful to our health.
Damaged Minds Alcohol Smoking
Meat Mysteries The Dairy Controversy
Genetically Modified Foods
Sugar—Affecting the Body and Mind
Diabetes: An Epidemic Disease Coke or Water?
The Additive Invasion Coffee Refined Grains
Have You Had Your Flu Shot?
Vegetables and Fruits
Discover new uses for your favorite fruits and vegetables.
Tomato Fig Carrot Radish Onion
Cucumber Celery Cabbage Potato Power
Charcoal
Charcoal has been used for years as a medicinal tool. It is known for its ability to absorb toxins and gases.
Using Charcoal in Emergencies
Charcoal as a Remedy Activated Charcoal
Contrast Baths
This form of hydrotherapy has several health benefits such as improved circulation and increased blood flow.
Menopause Assistance
Common symptoms of menopause and how to control them naturally.
Routine for Treating Depression
Treating depression can be a complicated issue and one can be overwhelmed with so much information and advice. The following list provides some holistic suggestions for dealing with depression that can be incorporated into your daily routine.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil has been used by the aboriginal peoples of Australia for thousands of years to treat many skin and medical conditions.
Foot Bath
Immersing the foot and ankle in hot water for up to 30 minutes is a proven method for drawing blood from inflamed or congested areas of the body.
Grippe Cocktail
For treating the flu, try a natural cocktail or tea that combines various herbal, fruit, and vegetable extracts.
Ice Massage
Ice Massage relieves muscle, back, and joint pains due to injuries.
Molasses
Molasses is all sugar—it’s made from boiling the juice from sugar cane—but unlike refined sugar, it contains significant amounts of vitamins and minerals.
Nature's Penicillin
For a natural and healthy way to combat sickness and boost the immune system, try this combination of grapefruit, orange, lemon, garlic, and onion in a tasty drink.
Salt Glow
Rubbing the skin with salt, removing dead skin, can invigorate circulation and provide other health benefits.
Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalation is a simple and effective method for improving respiratory problems, headaches, and bronchitis.
World's Safest Liver Cleanse Smoothie
Since the liver is an extremely important organ in the human body, it makes sense to prioritize its health at all times. Here is one simple way to ensure your liver remains in optimum condition.
Knowledge base