The term "devolution", which normally means a delegation of powers, is sometimes erroneously used to refer to the evolution of a species into more "primitive" forms. Many lay people see evolution as "progress", reflecting the ideas of Lamarckism. However, scientists recognise that evolution by natural selection is directionless, and so "devolution" is still actually evolution. The evolutionary weakening that can occur due to the failure of natural selection is called dysgenics.

It should not be confused with "evo-devo" which is shorthand for evolutionary developmental biology.

Misconceptions about evolution

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• Species evolve because they need to in order to adapt to environmental changes.

Biologists refer to this misconception as teleology, the idea of intrinsic finality that things are "supposed" to be and behave a certain way, and naturally tend to act that way to pursue their own good. As the fossil record demonstrates that more than ninety nine percent of all species that ever lived are now extinct it is clear that most species do not evolve despite radical environmental changes. From a biological viewpoint, when species evolve it is not a reaction to necessity, but rather that the population contains variations with traits that favour their natural selection.

• Evolution means progress to more advanced organisms.

This presumes that there is somehow a preferred hierarchy of structure and function, for example that "feet are better than hooves" or "lungs are better than gills", and can lead to the idea that change to "less advanced" structure can be called "devolution". To biologists this is an aspect of teleology, the supposition that there is purpose or directive principle in the works and processes of nature. A biologist sees all such changes as evolution, since for the organisms possessing the changed structures, each is a useful adaptation to their circumstances.

• Humans are the ultimate product or goal of evolution.

This belief is related to anthropocentrism, the idea that human existence is the point of all universal existence, and is a variation on the idea of "progress". To a biologist, describing the biogical evolutionary process as goal oriented would seem as ludicrous as a physicist claiming that the ultimate goal of gravity is to keep the Earth in its present orbit.

• Increasing complexity is the necessary outcome of evolution.

Biologists have evidence of many examples of decreasing complexity in the record of evolution. The lower jaw in fish, reptiles and mammals has seen a decrease in complexity, if measured by the number of bones. Ancestors of modern horses had several toes on each foot; modern horses have a single hoofed toe.

Use of the term by opponents of evolution

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As with other modern sciences, biology is based on a methodological assumption of philosophical naturalism to study and explain the natural world, without assuming the existence or nonexistence of the supernatural. In contrast, creationism and intelligent design are based on teleology in seeking to prove the existence of an organizing principle behind natural laws and phenomena. Opponents of evolution use the teleological argument for the existence of God, and seek to displace evolution as the central organizing concept in biology. To do so, some redefine "evolution" in their terms, and introduce "devolution" to show that evolution theory is incorrect.

Examples include Mastropaulo , who argues that "Change over time, 'definition one' of evolution, actually describes devolution to extinction, the exact opposite of evolution.... actual epidemiological data from human genetic disorders and fatal birth defects, identify 'natural selection,' the alleged 'primary mechanism' for evolution, as actually a mechanism for devolution to extinction, the exact opposite of evolution." and elsewhere , "Evolution is the development of an organism from its chemicals or primitive state to its present state. Devolution is the sequence toward greater simplicity or disappearance or degeneration."

The term has been used in the play Inherit the Wind, the character of Matthew Brady (representative of William Jennings Bryan) using the term to argue that "ape devolved from man", mocking evolutionary theory by offering an alternative he considers just as plausible.

Devolution in Science Fiction

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One type of the literary genre of science fiction (and some subsequent forms of humor) neither purports to predict the future whatsoever nor serves as a springboard for an adventure story, but provides affronts to the intelligence of the reader as a form of entertainment (e.g., Firesign Theatre's comedy album "Everything you know is wrong!" and Slack). The classic examples of this are the stories first by Philip José Farmer but more better known by Terry Pratchett in which the world is described as flat. Similarly there have been stories which tickle the concept of progress by inverting it. One short story describes protoplasm as the ideal form of life and that everything subsequent was a disaster brought about by an error of judgement. Such notions are not meant to be taken seriously after one has read them, but while one is reading them one is supposed to be captivated by the notion.

Devolution as a Metaphor

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The American New Wave band Devo were named after the concept of devolution (Devo stands for the De-Evolution band). They were inspired by a pseudo-scientific essay by Oscar Kiss Maerth called The Beginning Was the End.

External links

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• Scientific American; Biology: Is the human race evolving or devolving?

• Why is the Creation-Evolution Issue Important? "Devolution" is the mutated changes that take place to the detriment of the organism. This is part of the curse placed upon creation after the fall of man, and it causes disease and death. This is also why we need a Redeemer, to deliver us and give us life after death."

• Claim CB932: Evolution of degenerate forms

Evolutionary_biology | Philosophical terminology | Creation Science | Intelligent design