The problem lies in how the word "evolution" is used. One minute it's used to describe the process of microevolution, and the next it's referring to the hypothesis of macroevolution--which indeed deals with the origin of species. As such, it is closely related to hypotheses of spontaneous generation, or abiogenesis, and the origin of life itself. You can restrict the term "evolution" to strictly mean microevolution, but the vast majority of those discussing and debating it on both sides use it to mean any and/or all aspects of the theory/hypotheses, often switching freely between definitions (sometimes even mid-sentence).
[edit]Fyron, this post isn't necessarily directed at you. You, at least, are usually fairly consistent in how you use a word (sometimes annoyingly so).
However, evolution has come to mean much more in popular parlance than the limited scope which you place on it.
[ May 17, 2003, 04:41: Message edited by: Krsqk ]
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