Ai vs AI: Question 38/81

Is evolution credible?

Ai Weiwei: Evolution, despite some unsolvable questions, is a generally accepted theory. Personally, despite an unwillingness to believe in evolution, it cannot be definitively said that evolution does not exist.

ChatGPT (AI), January 2024: The theory of evolution is widely accepted in the scientific community. It provides a framework to understand the diversity of life based on genetic changes over time. 

ChatGPT (AI), January 2025: Yes, evolution is widely considered one of the most credible scientific theories, supported by a vast body of evidence from multiple scientific disciplines, including genetics, paleontology, comparative anatomy, and embryology. It provides the most comprehensive explanation for the diversity of life on Earth and how organisms have adapted and changed over time.

Key Points That Support Evolution’s Credibility:
Fossil Evidence:

Fossils provide a chronological record of life on Earth, showing gradual changes in species over millions of years. Transitional fossils, such as Archaeopteryx (which shows characteristics of both dinosaurs and birds), offer key evidence of how species evolve over time.
The fossil record demonstrates a progression from simpler forms of life to more complex organisms, which fits the predictions made by evolutionary theory.
Genetics and DNA:

Modern genetics has revolutionized our understanding of evolution. The structure of DNA reveals that all living organisms share a common genetic code, with slight variations in the genes that result in different species.
Genetic similarities between species, such as humans and chimpanzees, provide strong evidence for a shared evolutionary ancestry. The more closely related two species are genetically, the more recent their common ancestor.
Observations of Evolution in Action:

Evolution is not just a theory of the past; it can be observed in real-time. For example, antibiotic resistance in bacteria demonstrates how populations can evolve rapidly in response to environmental pressures.
Darwin’s finches in the Galápagos Islands have been studied for decades, showing how species can adapt to different environmental conditions. Changes in beak size, for instance, correlate with available food sources and fluctuating climate conditions.
Comparative Anatomy:

The study of similar physical features (homologous structures) across different species reveals patterns of common ancestry. For example, the bones in the limbs of humans, whales, bats, and birds share a similar structure, despite being adapted for different functions.
Vestigial structures, like the human appendix or the pelvic bones in whales, suggest evolutionary remnants of features that were once functional in ancestors but are no longer needed.
Embryology:

Embryonic development in many species shows significant similarities in early stages, suggesting common ancestry. For example, human embryos have gill slits (pharyngeal arches), a trait inherited from our fish ancestors.
The Mechanisms of Evolution:

Evolution is driven by processes like natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow. Natural selection, for example, favors individuals with traits that provide a survival or reproductive advantage in their environment, leading to gradual changes in a population.
Over time, small changes accumulate, leading to the emergence of new species.
Predictive Power:

Evolutionary theory has predictive power—scientists can use it to make predictions about the kinds of organisms that should exist in certain environments or about the types of transitional fossils that should be found. Many of these predictions have been confirmed by discoveries in the field.
Why Evolution is Often Questioned:
While evolution is strongly supported by scientific evidence, some individuals and groups question its validity, often for reasons related to religious beliefs or a misunderstanding of scientific principles. Some argue that evolution cannot account for the origin of life, or they may believe that the idea of humans evolving from other species conflicts with their worldview.

However, it’s important to note that evolution as a scientific theory does not attempt to explain the origin of life itself—just the process through which life forms change and diversify over time. The origin of life, known as abiogenesis, is a separate scientific question.

In Conclusion:
Evolution is credible because it is based on empirical evidence and is widely accepted by the scientific community. It is not a mere “opinion” but a well-supported framework that explains a range of biological phenomena, from the fossil record to genetic evidence. The theory of evolution continues to be refined as new discoveries are made, but it remains a cornerstone of modern biology.

Do you have any particular aspects of evolution that you’d like to explore further or any doubts you’d like addressed?

DeepSeek (AI), January 2025: Yes, evolution is a well-supported and credible scientific theory that explains the diversity of life on Earth. It is one of the most robust and widely accepted concepts in biology, supported by overwhelming evidence from multiple fields of science. Here’s why evolution is considered credible:

1. The Theory of Evolution:
   – Definition: Evolution is the process by which species change over time through mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow.
   – Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace: In the 19th century, they independently proposed the theory of natural selection as the driving force behind evolution.
2. Evidence Supporting Evolution:
   1. Fossil Record:
   – Fossils provide a historical record of life on Earth, showing how species have changed over millions of years.
   – Transitional fossils (e.g., Archaeopteryx, a dinosaur-bird intermediate) demonstrate the gradual changes between species.
   2. Comparative Anatomy:
   – Homologous structures (e.g., the similar bone structure in the limbs of humans, whales, and bats) suggest common ancestry.
   – Vestigial structures (e.g., the human appendix or whale pelvis) are remnants of ancestral features that no longer serve a purpose.
   3. Genetic Evidence:
   – DNA sequencing reveals similarities in genetic material across species, supporting the idea of common descent.
   – Mutations and genetic variations provide the raw material for evolutionary change.
   4. Biogeography:
   – The distribution of species across the globe aligns with evolutionary predictions. For example, unique species on isolated islands (e.g., Darwin’s finches in the Galápagos) evolved to adapt to their environments.
   5. Observable Evolution:
   – Evolution can be observed in real time, such as the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria or changes in the beak size of finches in response to environmental conditions.
   6. Embryology:
   – Similarities in the early developmental stages of different species (e.g., the presence of gill slits in human embryos) suggest shared ancestry.
3. Scientific Consensus:
   – Evolution is supported by the vast majority of scientists worldwide and is considered a foundational principle of modern biology.
   – It is not just a “theory” in the colloquial sense but a well-tested and substantiated explanation for the diversity of life.
4. Misconceptions About Evolution:
   – Evolution vs. Abiogenesis: Evolution explains how life changes over time, not how life began (abiogenesis).
   – Evolution as “Just a Theory”: In science, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation, not a guess or hypothesis.
   – Purpose and Direction: Evolution is not goal-oriented; it is driven by random mutations and natural selection.
5. Evolution and Religion:
   – Many religious groups accept evolution as compatible with their beliefs, viewing it as the mechanism through which a higher power created life.
   – The conflict between evolution and certain religious views often stems from literal interpretations of creation stories, not from scientific evidence.
   
   

Conclusion
Evolution is a credible and well-supported scientific theory that explains the diversity and complexity of life on Earth. It is backed by extensive evidence from multiple disciplines and is a cornerstone of modern biology. While debates about evolution may persist in cultural or religious contexts, the scientific community overwhelmingly agrees on its validity. Understanding evolution helps us appreciate the interconnectedness of all living things and provides insights into fields like medicine, agriculture, and conservation.

Google Gemini (AI), June 2025: Yes, the theory of evolution by natural selection is incredibly credible and is considered the cornerstone of modern biology. It is supported by an overwhelming body of evidence from numerous scientific disciplines and is accepted by virtually all scientists worldwide.

Here’s why it’s so credible:

1. Overwhelming Scientific Consensus:
– The scientific community overwhelmingly accepts evolution as the fundamental principle explaining the diversity of life on Earth. Organizations like the National Academy of Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and countless universities and scientific societies globally endorse it.
– Estimates suggest that around 97-98% of scientists agree that humans and other living things have evolved over time. Among biologists, the acceptance rate is even higher, nearing 99.9%.

2. Extensive and Diverse Lines of Evidence:
Evolution is supported by evidence from multiple independent fields, all pointing to the same conclusion:

– Fossil Record: Fossils provide a historical record of life on Earth, showing a clear progression of life forms from simpler to more complex over geological time. We find transitional fossils that document the evolutionary links between different groups of organisms (e.g., archaeopteryx showing features of both reptiles and birds). The sequence of fossils is consistent globally; you don’t find mammals in very ancient rock layers or human fossils with dinosaurs.
– Comparative Anatomy: Organisms share homologous structures (e.g., the similar bone structure in the forelimbs of humans, whales, bats, and birds), indicating a common ancestor, even if these structures are adapted for different functions. Vestigial structures (like the human appendix or whale pelvis bones) are remnants of features that were functional in ancestors.

– Molecular Biology and Genetics (DNA): This is some of the strongest and most compelling evidence.
– All life uses the same genetic material (DNA or RNA) and largely the same genetic code, strongly suggesting a common ancestor.
– The degree of genetic similarity between species directly correlates with their evolutionary relatedness (e.g., humans and chimpanzees share about 98% of their DNA, reflecting a recent common ancestor, while similarity decreases with more distant relatives).
– The presence of “junk DNA,” pseudogenes, and endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) in similar positions across different species further supports common ancestry.
– Embryology and Developmental Biology: Many vertebrate embryos show remarkable similarities in early development (e.g., gill slits and tails), which then diverge as development progresses. This reflects shared developmental pathways inherited from common ancestors.
– Biogeography: The global distribution of species is best explained by evolution and continental drift. Organisms that evolved before the breakup of supercontinents are often widespread, while those that evolved after the breakup tend to be unique to specific continents or islands (e.g., marsupials in Australia).
– Direct Observation (Microevolution): We can directly observe evolution happening in real-time in organisms with short generation times:
– Antibiotic resistance in bacteria: Bacteria rapidly evolve resistance to antibiotics.
– Pesticide resistance in insects: Insects develop resistance to pesticides.
– Herbicide resistance in weeds: Weeds evolve resistance to herbicides.
– Viral evolution: The constant need for new flu vaccines is a direct result of the flu virus evolving.

3. Predictive Power and Explanatory Scope:
– Evolutionary theory makes testable predictions about the natural world, and these predictions have consistently been borne out by new discoveries.
– It provides a coherent and comprehensive explanation for the diversity, adaptation, and interconnectedness of all life on Earth. Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.

Common Misconceptions and “Challenges”:

It’s important to distinguish between legitimate scientific debate within the framework of evolution (e.g., the precise mechanisms, rates, or specific ancestral relationships) and challenges that fundamentally question the validity of evolution itself. The latter often stem from:
– Misunderstanding of “Theory” in Science: In science, a “theory” is not a mere guess or hypothesis. It is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment. Gravity is also “just a theory,” but its credibility is not questioned.
– Religious Objections: Some challenges to evolution are rooted in religious or philosophical beliefs that conflict with a scientific, naturalistic explanation for life’s diversity. These are often not scientific arguments but rather faith-based ones.
“Irreducible Complexity” arguments: These claim that certain biological systems are too complex to have evolved step-by-step. However, scientific research has repeatedly shown how seemingly “irreducibly complex” systems can evolve through gradual modification of simpler precursors.
– Lack of “Transitional Fossils”: This argument often ignores the vast number of transitional fossils that have been found and misunderstands that the fossil record is inherently incomplete, as fossilization is a rare event.

In conclusion, evolution is not just a credible theory; it is one of the most robust and well-supported scientific theories in the history of science, fundamental to our understanding of life itself.

To coincide with the exhibition, 81 Questions – a series of 81 hand-signed and embossed screen prints featuring the 81 questions posed by Ai Weiwei – are available exclusively on CIRCA.ART for £500+VAT.

“Each Lego brick pixel represents a person”, says Ai Weiwei, who incorporates the plastic construction toy – a readymade material incorporated into many of his most recent works – into his print design for the first time. The black egalitarian pixel font and embossed baseplate combine technology with artisanal craft to create this thought-provoking and playful reflection on today’s world. Each print in the series of 81 Questions is hand-signed and numbered by the artist in editions of 81.