Duck Billed Platypus

We ask that a new topic have some more to get it started than this.I'd suggest that you explain why your husband thinks that there is any problem. In the past we find that people asking this question have no clue about what the duck billed platypus actually is like.It is useful to know where someone is coming from before we answer a question that wasn't asked.Some description of why the thinks there is a problem would be part of that.Then an explanation of why not being able to discuss the detailed evolutionary history of a particular animal is some kind of refutation of evolutionary biology.If his point is actually that it is necessary to "know everything" then I think that should be brought out clearly. I'm sure he doesn't think it is necessary to know "everything" in order to claim to know something. If he disagrees with then his reasoning for that position would be useful.

In microcosm the platypus represents some of the nature of the discussions here. I goolged for "duck billed platypus relationships" and the first two sites that came up exemplify the kind of thinking of the two sides.1) http://genome.wustl.edu/genome.cgi?GENOME=Ornithorhynchus...This points out the mix of reptilian and mammalian characteristics of the platypus ("transitional" anyone? ). And then discusses the sequencing of it's genome and research.2)What Did Saul’s Companions See and Hear on the Road to Damascus? - Apologetics Press

quote:

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Evolutionists are astounded at the myriad of varying structures found on the duck-billed platypus. Its beak would imply a close relationship to ducks; its tail might place it with beavers; its hair is similar to that of a bear; its webbed feet imply that it would be an otter; and its claws are the likeness of a reptile’s. God’s hand must have been behind such diversity, because evolution certainly wasn’t!

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They actually think that because it is named "duck bill" the bill is anything like a duck's. This is an example of basing one's views on wishful thinking and ignorance. BTW -- a platypus's bill is only superficial shaped like a ducks. It is nothing like one in actuality and in no way suggests a relationship to ducks (other than through it's reptilian ancestors).The difference between these two sites that happened to pop up first and second in google is illuminating.

Well, you might enjoy your visits here. No matter what he spouts off there are those here who will enjoy arguing over it. Heck, we argue over almost anything.There are also some here who have significant expertise in many areas and/or a willingness to look it up and dig in. You have a team of allies that will enjoy helping you dissect almost anything put forward.Maybe it works already? He's been asked for more details on his platypus position and ..... nothing there. Just, as you say, a smart assed comment. There is nothing confusing there for evolutionary theory and only some interesting questions about the actual evolution of this particular beastie.You can search the web or the bookstore for the best of the anti-evolutionary arguments. There is little or nothing new and no real meat. It's fun to hold people's feet to the fire.

Thread copied to the Duck Billed Platypus thread in the Biological Evolution forum, this copy of the thread has been closed.