Can Evolution Explain Increasing Complexity in Life?

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The discussion centers on a documentary that critiques the theory of evolution, raising several arguments against it. One key point is the claim that evolution cannot introduce new genetic information to the gene pool, only shuffle existing information, which some participants argue is incorrect. They cite examples like gene duplication and retroviruses that can indeed add new genetic material. Another argument presented in the documentary involves entropy, questioning how life can become more complex when entropy tends to create disorder. Respondents clarify that while entropy increases in a closed system, local order can emerge, and they emphasize that evolution does not contradict thermodynamic principles. Additionally, the documentary questions why organisms have evolved to reproduce rather than live indefinitely, with responses highlighting that evolutionary pressures favor reproduction to ensure species survival during environmental stresses. Overall, the conversation reflects a robust defense of evolutionary theory against the documentary's critiques, emphasizing the complexity and adaptability of genetic information and the principles of natural selection.
  • #31
Way to necro-post! :wink:
Raedal520 said:
Damn this guy is ignorant. First off:

-Entropy isn't a viable argument. The simple process of becoming more ordered usually creates entropy in terms of heat (The transistors in your computer are being arranged in an order to use a complex program, but the computer gives off entropy in terms of heat.
If we're going to refute this guy's invalid arguments, we're going to have to do better than this. The example you've used to show order on a small scale (program) but entropy on a large scale (waste heat) involves a device that was intelligently designed (the computer). Unfortunately, this example plays perfectly into his argument rather than refuting it.
 

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