Read the following passage carefully and answer the given questions.

Theory of Evolution

The evolution of life is a gradual process through which simple organisms are transformed into complex life forms over billions of years. It involves genetic changes, adaptation to the environment, and the emergence of diversity in species. Fossil records provide evidence of extinct life forms and transitional stages. Evolution is influenced by factors such as mutation, genetic recombination, and environmental pressure, shaping the biodiversity we see today. Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace were pioneering naturalists who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.

Which one of the following statements is not a connotation of the theory of special creation?

Life forms evolved gradually over millions of years.

The correct answer is Option (4) – Life forms evolved gradually over millions of years.

Conventional religious literature tells us about the theory of special creation. This theory has three connotations. One, that all living organisms (species or types) that we see today were created as such. Two, that the diversity was always the same since creation and will be the same in future also. Three, that earth is about 4000 years old. All these ideas were strongly challenged during the nineteenth century. Based on observations made during a sea voyage in a sail ship called H.M.S. Beagle round the world, Charles Darwin concluded that existing living forms share similarities to varying degrees not only among themselves but also with life forms that existed millions of years ago. Many such life forms do not exist any more. There had been extinctions of different life forms in the years gone by just as new forms of life arose at different periods of history of earth. There has been gradual evolution of life forms. Any population has built in variation in characteristics.