The definition of evolution is the study of genetic changes that make it possible for a species to survive over time. Although I am not inclined to believe the basis of evolution, being that the Earth and its inhabitants have been evolving for 3.8 billion years, I do believe that evolution still holds an important role in the survival of all living things.
In the study of Taxonomy, we discover the fact that all living species have a classification that is based first and foremost on their original cells and then branches out to their more defining characteristics, eventually placing them in one of six families. Taxonomy, when broken down, is the most basic form of evolution, as it shows us that the beginning of all living things comes from one single cell and progress from there.
The most important and unique characteristic of evolution is its' focus on survival.
Evolution Festival 2011 - Evolution Weekender - Sa...
evolution
English: Wolf #33 in Crystal Creek penLife, as defined by energy consumed and used, depends on survival and the production of offspring. Without evolution, survival would be impossible. We can look at all sorts of species and see that their development or lack thereof points directly towards evolution as a means of survival. Take for example the domesticated, run of the mill, average household dog. The American Kennel Club believes that it has mastered the standard of household animals and takes great pride in flaunting its' purebreds. The truth be known, the true purebred dog would look more like a member of the wolf family, with deep talon-like claws and large incisors. Evolution has made it possible for the wolf family to survive long enough to have offspring that could one day be mutated into Fido, Rex, or Princess. Without its' long claws and ferocious teeth, the many wolves that have roamed the earth for thousands...
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The points you make regarding the "forced evolution" of dogs are incorrect simply due to the fact that human beings have not been domesticating dogs for long enough for them to have exerted any significant evolutionary pressures on the species. The differences you point to between dogs and their closest relatives are simply due to domestication and not "forced evolution". However, the variety of dogs we see today and their breed-specific characteristics are a direct result of human manipulation of the dogs natural breeding system, hence it could be argued that humans have simply "messed around" with the natural evolution pattern of dogs rather than having forced a new evolutionary pressure onto them. Overall, a fairly interesting essay, however you should do more research on the topic.
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