Yess..the statement is absolutely justified..
Evolution does not and cannot mean the same as progress..
It is because progress means some sort of development..
But evolution can be defined as a naturally occurring slow, continuous and irreversible process of change..
Evolution can sometimes be meant as the development of simple structures into complex structures but it is not true for all cases..
As progress means development, evolution can be said as a gradual process of change..
Causes of evolution can include factors like natural selection, genetic drift, variation, errors in DNA copying, etc...

Hope it might be useful for u

**Evolution should not be equated with progress. Why?**

**Introduction**
Evolution and progress are two distinct concepts that should not be equated. While evolution refers to the gradual development and change of living organisms over time, progress implies a forward movement towards a better or more advanced state. Although both terms involve change, they operate on different principles and should not be used interchangeably. This essay will delve into the reasons why evolution should not be equated with progress.

**1. Diverse Outcomes**
One key reason why evolution should not be equated with progress is that evolution does not necessarily lead to progress. Evolution is driven by natural selection, which favors traits that enhance an organism's survival and reproduction. These traits may not always result in progress or improvement from a human perspective. For example, certain organisms may evolve traits that make them better suited to their environment, but these traits may not be advantageous or beneficial for humans or society.

**2. Contextual Nature of Progress**
Progress is a subjective concept that varies depending on the context. What may be considered progress in one situation may not hold true in another. Progress is often measured by human standards and values, such as technological advancements or social development. However, these standards are not universal and may differ across cultures, time periods, or individual perspectives. Therefore, equating evolution with progress oversimplifies the complex nature of progress and disregards its contextual nature.

**3. Negative Consequences**
Equating evolution with progress can have negative consequences. It may lead to a biased and anthropocentric view of the world, where only human achievements are deemed valuable or superior. This perspective disregards the intrinsic worth and importance of non-human life forms and ecosystems. Additionally, considering progress as the ultimate goal of evolution can justify unethical practices, such as exploiting natural resources or disregarding conservation efforts in the name of human progress.

**4. Ethical Implications**
Equating evolution with progress also raises ethical concerns. If progress is seen as the ultimate aim of evolution, it may lead to the belief that certain individuals or groups are more evolved or superior to others. This can perpetuate discrimination, inequality, and oppressive ideologies. Emphasizing progress over evolution may undermine the acceptance and appreciation of diversity, both within and between species.

**Conclusion**
In conclusion, evolution should not be equated with progress due to the diverse outcomes of evolution, the contextual nature of progress, the potential negative consequences, and the ethical implications. Recognizing the distinction between these concepts allows us to appreciate the complexities of the natural world and avoid oversimplifications that can have detrimental effects on our understanding and treatment of living organisms.