Evolution is how living things change over time. It is nature’s way of upgrading species to make them better at surviving over millions of years. Whilst evolution and natural selection are often used interchangeably, the former refers to the historical progression of changes, while the latter acts as a primary mechanism- that drives these changes. Evolution can be regarded in both biological and philosophical terms, extending beyond survival to explain the development of life and the existence of free will.
Natural selection is the basis of how we can understand biological evolution. Charles Darwin first posited the theory that when animal and plant species develop helpful traits they are more likely to survive and generate offspring[1]. Offspring then inherit the ‘good’ traits and, over time, the whole species changes leading to ‘natural selection’. Inheritable traits that enhance survival and aid reproduction become increasingly common in future generations, leading to the gradual evolution of the whole species. This process molds distinct species over time by creating gene variation amongst populations.
Now, scientists and evolutionary biologists have discovered more about the way in which DNA (the material in our cells that makes us who we are) works. Sometimes, there are variations from mutations in the genetic code, which can create new traits that may assist species survival. The diversity of life forms can be explained by these mutations, which also explain the similarities and variances between different organisms.
The concept of “survival of the fittest “is evolution in action! It doesn’t always mean that the strongest always wins but rather about which species has the right traits to survive in a particular environment and therefore greater success at reproduction. For example, polar bears have thick fur because it helps them to survive the Arctic cold. Migrating birds know how to fly South in winter in the northern hemisphere. And chameleons change color to camouflage themselves against predators. Survival includes the ability to pass on genes to further generations, and increased reproduction acts as a measure of evolutionary success.
Evolution also includes another curious and intriguing aspect- it has affected how our brains work! The human brain, shaped over millions of years of evolution, is considered the peak of cognitive development. Scientists have found that our ancestors survived not just because they were strong, but also because they were clever, they could cooperate, work together, use tools and communicate. Over time, this led to evolutionary advantages and supported our brains to get bigger and complete complex tasks like solving problems, thinking abstractly, and creating art and music!
Scientists have further hypothesized that a lot of how we behave comes from evolution. Like why are we scared of snakes? Why do we care about friends and family? This may be because these behaviors helped our ancestors to survive and reproduce.
Evolutionary psychology suggests that many human behaviors result from evolutionary adaptations. The concept of free will, however, implies that humans can make choices without being entirely driven by determinism. So: do we really have free will? If evolution has shaped how we think and behave, are we really making our own choices? Some think that even though evolution has influenced us, we can still make our own decisions. The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for control, can be overridden. This means that sometimes humans can think about our choices and act against our own instincts.
One approach to reconciling evolutionary theory and free will is to understand the complex relationship between biological imperatives and the way the brain works. Our choices may not be completely independent but rather the result of an interaction between genetic tendencies and conscious thought.
In summary, evolution as a concept covers biology’s basic survival needs and poses deeper philosophical questions about free will. Evolution helps to explain how our bodies and brains have been shaped by a slow process of change over millennia. It also explains why there are so many species of plants and animals in the world and how connected all living things are to each other. Evolution is the most fundamental explanation of life on earth, and we are all its interconnected products!
Submitted to Oxford Scientist Magazine, 2024
[1] Zhao, H., Cao, J., & Sun, X. (2009). A Quality Optimization Method for Service Process Model. https://doi.org/10.1109/ispa.2009.39
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