Evolution Vs Natural Selection

The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection has been highly scrutinized since its first publication in 1859. The theory states, “the process by which organisms change over time as a result of changes in heritable physical or behavioral traits. Changes that allow an organism to better adapt to its environment will help it survive and have more offspring”. This theory is the basis of all biological sciences, and it lays the foundation for various scientific schools of thought. However, as in all things, there are misconceptions that arise such as: Indivual evolve, evolution is a linear increase in complexity, the goal or the evolutionary process is optimally or perfectly adapted organisms, evolution is a random or chance process, and finally, natural selection is the same thing as evolution. First and foremost, indivual do not evolve. Evoluntary change is based on the changes in the ‘genetic
The theory of its action was first fully expounded by Charles Darwin and is now believed to be the main process that brings about evolution”. Since natural selection can produce great adaptions, one can understand why some people think that natural selection as a powerful force, pushing organisms towards the direction of progress and perfection. The reality however, is far from that. Firstly, natural selection is not a powerful force, nor does it produce perfection. If the genes of an indivual are “good enough”, they'll pass on some offspring/children onto the next generation. Contrary to popular belief, it is not “Survival of the fittest”. Not the best of the best pass on the genes to their offspring. One can see this in various populations. In plants, they may not have the genes to survive a dry season or drought. Or in animals, a predator may not be fast enough to catch its prey every time it’s hungry. No population is perfectly