No one knows when the theory of evolution started but we do know that Baptiste Lamarck (1744 – 1829) proposed his transmutation of species theory as the first fully formed theory of evolution. Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace published the theory of evolution in detail in Charles Darwin’s 1859 book, On the Origin of Species.
Today the theory of evolution is all about the universe coming into existence on its own without any outside assistance, such as “God”. Under this theory, there has to be six separate and distinct “mechanisms” of evolution.
- The 1st mechanism of evolution is Cosmic Evolution when the big bang occurred. Matter and energy are created at the origin of the universe. According to Space.com: “According to the Big Bang theory, the universe was born as a very hot, very dense, single point in space.” According to Scholastic.com: “Adherents of the Big Bang believe that this small but incredibly dense point of primitive matter/energy exploded.”
- The 2nd mechanism of evolution is Chemical Evolution when, according to Science Learning Hub, 4 elements from the big bang (hydrogen and helium and trace amounts of lithium and beryllium), evolved into 86 naturally occurring elements, then evolved into chemical compounds (such as salt and water) then, according to Science Encyclopedia, on primitive earth evolved into organic chemicals.
- The 3rd mechanism of evolution is Stellar Evolution when, according to Solar Views, the resulting big bang material of interstellar gas, dust, and ices ices collapsed to form nebula and then evolved into stars, planets and solar systems are created.
- The 4th mechanism of evolution is Organic Evolution when, according to Live Science, life with all of its complexity evolved non-life chemical compounds. Live Science has an article on the “7 Theories” here.
- The 5th mechanism of evolution is Vertical Evolution when species are created, getting more complex as demonstrated in the tree of life. This is evolutionary biology by natural selection and what Darwin wrote about.
- The 6th mechanism of evolution is Horizontal Evolution when species adapt to the environment. This is what Charles Darwin actually found on the Galapagos Islands with birds beaks being different for different food groups.
The Theory of Evolution as explained by Darwin states that all life is related and has descended from a common ancestor. Today, evolution has expanded to encompass everything from beginning of time and space itself to today which includes all of the 6 evolution mechanisms above.
Since Darwin, science has revealed many truths. Wilhelm Roentgen discovered x-rays in 1895 and Henri Becquerel revealed their properties in 1896. In 1915 Einstein introduced his revolutionary General Theory of Relativity. Edwin Hubble researched the heavens in the 1920s and found what we now call galaxies. Finally today, Stephen Hawkins (click here for article) explains the Origin of the Universe at his website.
So when IEAT discusses or uses the word “evolution” realize IEAT is addressing today’s concept of evolution with all of its cosmic, chemical, stellar, organic and vertical evolution. This is the Complete Theory of Evolution.