A Question about Evolution (2nd Law of Thermodynamics)

This has never really been explained to me and sorry if this topic has been posted before:The Second Law of Thermodynamics states (paraphrased) that all matter goes downhill--that everything has a tendency to go from order to disorder, complex to simple. How can the THEORY of Evolution be reconciled with the Second LAW of Thermodynamics? The Theory of Evolution completely relies upon science yet is a blatant contradiction of scientific law. There has to be some sort of evolutionist explanation for this. . .Also, please do not explain to me the theory of natural selection/mutations. I understand what the Theory of Evolution claims. I am simply asking about it in relation to the Second Law of Thermodynamics.{Edited title - Added the "(2nd Law of Thermodynamics)" part - Adminnemooseus}[This message has been edited by Adminnemooseus, 08-21-2003]

Because that's not what the Second Law says.It says that entropy tends to increase. Entropy isn't order and disorder, or simple and complex, despite what you've heard. Entropy refers to usable energy and unusable energy (aka "heat", hence "thermodynamic). Another way to think of it would be as a separation of states. I.e. a bowl of hot water next to a bowl of cold water has less entropy than two bowls of lukewarm water.Living systems are not separated states. It's all mixed together. So, if you look at it from the proper thermodynamic standpoint, a fully built house has more entropy - less separated states - than when the lumber is sitting on your lawn in organized piles.Also the Second Law doesn't say that entropy can never decrease. It simply says that you have to add energy to allow it do so. So the second law doesn't prevent the evolution of life on earth because there's a whole lot of energy coming in from the sun.Basically the second law has nothing to do with evolution, and can never prevent an increase in order. After all if it did you could never clean your room.Also there's no such thing as "scientific law". The 2nd "law" is also "just" a theory. In science there is only theory.Basically this is the most ignorant and pseudo-scientific of creationist dodges. The Theory of Evolution is perfectly consistent with the Second Law (or Theory) of Thermodynamics. In fact if the Second Law didn't exist evolution - or any chemistry at all - wouldn't be possible.

The simple answer to the assertion that biological evolution is prevented by the second law of thermodynamics (2lot)is: the second law of thermodynamics is only strictly applicable in a closed system where there is no exchange of matter or energy with the surroundings. However the earth (more particularly the ecosystem) is not a closed system as it receives energy (and a little matter) from its surroundings. Likewise the input of solar or geothermal energy can allow a chemical reaction to proceed which could not otherwise proceed spontaneously because it is a decrease in entropy and barred by the 2lot.At first glance, the growth of any living organism would appear to be contrary to the 2lot because it involves the production of large organic molecues from small inorganic molecules - a decrease in entropy. But such chemical processes are driven by other reactions which provide the energy.So, what would be the difference between the growth of an organism and the evolution of a species from a thermodynamic perspective?Here are some articles which go into more detail:
The Second Law of Thermodynamics, Evolution, and Probability

An analogy useful for illustration of Life vs Second Law is to think of a baby elephant placed into a giant insulated chamber with enough food, water, and oxygen to grow to maturity. Yeah, Dumbo may get more "orderly", but the rest of his "closed system" will head toward disorder real quick.

Thank you for the clarification. Again, I am sorry if this topic has appeared before.

redirect on 404 | Rice UniversityThis is a great site answering the objection in simple terms for non chemistry or physics literate.