[Avodah] Evolution

[Ilana Elzufon]

There is certainly much that suggests, both on the physiological/anatomical
and the biochemical level, and based on patterns of geographic
distribution, that various species are "related" to each other in a sort of
family tree. AFAIK, this is is the basis of modern taxonomy.

It is quite reasonable to posit that G-d created them this way from the
beginning.

It is also quite reasonable to posit that this is the effect of evolution.
However, the mechanisms of evolution operate so slowly that they cannot be
observed by human beings. I think those seeking to understand these
mechanisms have moved far beyond the simple random mutations plus natural
selection formula that many of us learned in school, and that evolutionary
theory will ultimately be based on aspects of genetics, epigenetics,
developmental biology, and who knows what else, that are still in the
process of being discovered. Or haven't yet been discovered.

I don't think one can "disprove" the theory of special creation of
individual species - after all, G-d can do whatever he wants. I also don't
think one can "disprove" the theory of evolution based on the inadequacy of
the current understanding of its mechanisms. I would imagine that
evolutionary biologists have the humility to acknowledge (and the ambition
to hope) that there is still much to be discovered in this field.

- Ilana
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