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Best Evidence For Evolution?
We see “micro-evolution” and natural selection
- But creationist says: limited adaptive ability is a design feature
The fossil record (e.g. Archaeopteryx, whale series)
- But fossil record shows abrupt appearance
- Lack of ancestors for Cambrian invertebrates
- Countless intermediates should be in museums but are not
Imperfections in nature (e.g. the Panda’s thumb)
- The Panda is doing fine, thank you!
Notes:
What do evolutionists say to prove their case? Steven Gould at Harvard University cites three things:
1. Micro-evolution and natural selection are proven, with the implication being that macro-evolution is just “more of the same”. As stated earlier, creationists also agree that natural selection can lead to variation (the formation of non-interbreeding groups, different “species”), but the extrapolation is unwarranted and unjustified. Physical limits are soon reached beyond which no more change can be made (as illustrated by dog breeding, for example). The genome is like a rubber band. It can be stretched so far and no more. Change stops when the limits of the genetic information are reached.
2. Examples of so-called transitional forms from the fossil record are cited. However, the “good” examples of transitional forms are few, and none are indisputable. If evolution were true, there should be so many intermediates that we could not even categorize them. In fact, it should not be possible to tell where one type of animal “ends” and another “begins.” Look at the evolutionary “tree of life” and you will find only the leaves, with speculative branches showing few if any common intermediates (remember: dashed lines don’t count!).
3. So-called “imperfections” in nature are cited. For example, why would God give the Panda bear a thumb that appears to be fairly useless? Or why do men have nipples? One answer is that just because we don’t understand why something is the way it is, doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a good purpose or aesthetic value. This is a weak argument at best.