The statement that humans evolved "from nothing" is not accurate. The process of evolution does not involve something coming from nothing. Instead, it is a gradual and intricate process that has taken billions of years and is guided by natural selection.
Evolution is the change in the heritable characteristics of populations over successive generations. It occurs through the mechanisms of mutation, genetic recombination, and natural selection. Here's a simplified overview of the process:
Variation: Within any population of organisms, there is genetic variation due to random mutations, which are changes in the DNA sequence of an individual's genes. These mutations can lead to new traits or characteristics.
Inheritance: Offspring inherit a combination of genes from their parents, and these inherited genes carry the traits from the previous generation.
Differential Survival and Reproduction: In every generation, there is competition for limited resources, and not all individuals will survive and reproduce. Some individuals may be better adapted to their environment due to certain inherited traits, making them more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation.
Natural Selection: Over time, individuals with advantageous traits have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. This process, known as natural selection, leads to the propagation of beneficial traits throughout the population, while less advantageous traits may diminish or disappear.
Gradual Accumulation of Changes: Over countless generations, beneficial mutations can accumulate, leading to more complex and well-adapted organisms.
The process of evolution does not happen overnight, nor does it create something from nothing. Instead, it is a slow and continuous process that builds upon existing traits and adapts organisms to their changing environments over long periods of time.
It's essential to clarify that while evolution explains the diversity of life on Earth, it does not address the origin of life itself, which is a separate topic and is still a subject of scientific investigation and study. The origin of life is a complex question that falls under the field of abiogenesis, exploring how living organisms emerged from non-living matter.