It appears to be widely-accepted among creationists from all camps that evolution is a fact. Descent with modification has been observed in laboratory settings and in the real world. Where most creos have now drawn their imaginary line is at the level of what they call “macro-evolution.” They argue that “micro-evolution” is all that has been observed and that there is no scientific evidence of evolution from one “kind” to another. Putting aside for the time being that no functional definition of “kind” has ever been proposed, the question becomes, what evidence is there of “macro-evolution?”
One of the most, if not the most, powerful pieces of evidence for “macro-evolution” is the nested hierarchy of species. All mammals share certain characteristics that are not found in any other class. Mammals and reptiles share certain characteristics that fish and amphibians do not have. Evolutionary theory predicts that such a nested hierarchy should be found in the natural world, and the existence of such a hierarchy is strong supporting evidence of the hypothesis of universal descent. In addition, evolutionary theory explains why such a hierarchy exists.
Why are all
fish and amphibian eggs different from all bird or reptile eggs? Because, long ago in their evolutionary history, the way that the eggs of these groups of organisms developed began to diverge. Fish and amphibians developed in one direction, reptiles and birds in another.
Amphibians undergo metamorphosis, but mammals do not. Why? Again, the reason lies in the remote past of evolutionary history. Myriad questions of this sort can be answered in evolution’s history.
Once a lineage diverges, the organisms in each different branch will share the distinguishing feature of their ancestors. Mammals began producing milk long after the divergence of the line that produced reptiles. That’s why, if you want snake milk, you’d be advised to get in line at a
ticket office rather than set a milking stool down next to a boa constrictor.
If creos really want to argue that there’s no scientific evidence for “macro-evolution,” they better come up with a better, or at least any, explanation for the nested hierarchy of species than evolution does. Why do reptiles not give milk? Why are there no mammal larvae?
Biological evolution please.
Edited by subbie, : No reason given.
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