Abstract

A survey of the application of quantitative and qualitative aspects of probability theory to evolutionary theory, followed by a carefully reasoned discussion of some seemingly insuperable probability problems inhering in the evolution of innovant biological structures. Prominent among these is the question of how the impossibly high odds against spontaneous single‐step evolution can be reduced by the Darwinian concept of a gradual accumulation of tiny intermediate steps. A thoughtful examination uninhibited by Darwinian doctrines discloses some unexpected difficulties which appear to warrant investigation.