Definitions (Evolution)

by David Turell , Tuesday, April 08, 2008, 00:54 (6072 days ago) @ dhw

dhw: " For example, I find the theory of natural selection wonderfully logical, and I think there is sufficient evidence for me to believe it." - 'The sufficient evidence' is that we see varying changes in species as each individual species adapts to changing environmental challenges. We never see one species adapt into another, and the fossil record shows no evidence that it has happened in the way Darwin imagined. Science is still looking for proof that his proposal works. The so-called 'tree of life' illustrating common descent is only represented by the 'tips and nodes' that Gould refers to. It is a very incomplete tree, in part because of the tremendous jumps in the fossil record. Not to mention that homologous and analagous parts of organisms refuse to follow the tree. Hemoglobins and other biochemicals don't follow the tree either. Did natural selection create the tree?