[Taliesan]

The answer to most of your questions is natural selection.

In fact, natural selection seems to be such an adaptable concept there is no question it won't answer.

[js1138]

In fact, natural selection seems to be such an adaptable concept there is no question it won't answer...

You assume that natural selection just walked in without a challenge.

The historic fact is that most biologists that accepted evolution prior to 1940 did not accept natural selection. There are at least half a dozen contenders for the mechanism of evolution, including Lamarkianism and ID. Natural selection is currently at the forefront because it is the only mechanism with adequate supporting evidence.

[Fester Chugabrew]

. . . In fact, natural selection seems to be such an adaptable concept . . .

It appeals to those who dress up philosophies of history in scientific terms. It has a more sophisticated ring to it than "godidit."