Survival of the Fittest in the Evolution Creationism Debate

Although it is certainly true that chance and accidents account for many deaths of individuals in a species, evolutionary scientists have proven that many traits and inherited characteristics do not allow the individual to hold up to aspects of the environs in which he exists, particularly the struggle for survival that particularly marks the life and death of the animals. Naturally, what may be called bad luck or accident results in the deaths of individuals who would otherwise well suited to live, but when this phenomenon goes on day by day and year by year, we find that gradually a genetic disposition will begin to emerge.

Herbert Spencer called this process the “survival of the fittest,” and though the phrase may not be scientifically precise in the case of any given species in any one year, when we consider that the fight for survival is going on every year, during the full lifespan of each species, we cannot doubt that generally speaking those which survive are indeed the fittest. The fight for survival is so intense and so perpetual that the slightest flaw in any sense organ and any physical imperfection will almost surely, sooner or later, be fatal.

This relentless weeding out of the less fit, in every generation will effect two diverse consequences, which require to be clearly described. The first of these is the preservation of each species in the fullest state of adaptation to the conditions of its existence. As long as these circumstances continue unaltered, the consequence of natural selection is to preserve each well-adapted species unchanged.

The second of these outcomes develops whenever the conditions change. The most suited will adapt more quickly, and the typical process of natural selection will occur more rapidly, matching to the conditions. This process will finally bring about complete adaptation to the new conditions. Some researchers allow for pure probability, but uphold that the process of natural selection in weeding out the less fit and thus keeping every species in the most optimal state of adaptation.

The issue of natural selection and survival of the fittest does not figure largely into the ongoing argument between the adherents of evolution theory, intelligent design theory, and creation theory. In the evolution, intelligent design, creationism debate the matter of natural selection is virtually a moot point, given that evolution theory and intelligent design theory are in common accord on the matter, while creation theory denies it altogether.

In the meantime, the evolution creationism controversy debate remains heavily contested.