Evolution can be described in many ways to explain the process of change in the inherited traits of of a population of organisms from one generation to the next. The genes that are passed from one organism to the next produce the inherited traits that are the basis of evolution. In species that reproduce sexually, new combinations of genes are formed by genetic recombination which results in the increase of variation in traits between organisms.
Evolution was discovered when Chalres Darwin took a trip to the Galapagos Islands. He studied a number of species such as finches, whom proved by the shapes of their beaks to adapt to the different habitats. Although many theories of evolution existed through history, Darwin was the first to explain using the concept of natural selection. Darwin's theory explained that creatures who were best adapt to their environment enabled them to pass on their genes to offspring. Darwin also proposed that idea that humans had evolved from apes and over time small genetic mutations created the humans we are today. Darwin back this theory by using "survival of the fittest" to explain that species that could adapt to their changing environment easier would survive, while the weaker species died off.
The main critics of Darwin's theory of evolution are the supporters of creationism. Creationism is the religious belief that that humanity, life and earth were created in their original form by a higher being such as god. This term is also used to refer to the religiously- motivated rejection of evolution. Creationists oppose the theory of evolution mainly because they believe that the living and dead are the end products of a natural process. Creationists also oppose the Darwinian theory of evolution such that population pressures lead to a struggle for existence. It is believed to be false by creationists that organisms differ in random ways brought on by changes in the genes and mutations; that the struggle between organisms leads to a natural form of selection; and that the end consequence of evolution is a well- adapted organism. Since creationism is based mainly on religion, developing theories began to create a separation in church and state. Since there are many different aspects and explanations connected to the theories of evolution and creationism, different sides formed.
Creationism and Evolution not only became a problem between church and state, but mainly in the education system. Studies in schools all over the world were unsure whether to teach the ideas of evolution or support creationism. One of the first public controversies over teaching evolution in schools was brought about by the "Scopes monkey trial" in 1925. This case concerned the enforcement of a Tennessee statue that prohibited the teaching of evolution in school systems. However this trial did not resolve the question of whether the First Amendment permitted states to ban the teaching of a theory that contradicted religious beliefs. Beginning around 1925, this struggle to know what theory should be taught to young children in the classroom is still not settled. In 1999, the Kansas board of education voted to remove evolution from the lists of subjects tested in standardized testing. We may never really find an answer to solve this disagreement between science and religion, but the strive to teach individuals about every aspect is very important.
