Wednesday, September 24, 2008

The "Missing Piece" in Evolution

I recently found this article on the internet because i wanted to have an informed stance on evolution, not just a biased, unsupported opinion. I've learned about the evidence supporting evolution of man, but no one talks about evidence opposing it, so here is some.

If you want to read more, here is the website address: http://www.allaboutscience.org/evolution-of-man.htm

Evolution Of Man -
Scientific EvidenceThe theory of evolution of man is supported by a set of independent observations within the fields of anthropology, paleontology, and molecular biology. Collectively, they depict life branching out from a common ancestor through gradual genetic changes over millions of years, commonly known as the "tree of life." Although accepted in mainstream science as altogether factual and experimentally proven, a closer examination of the evidences reveal some inaccuracies and reasonable alternative explanations. This causes a growing number of scientists to dissent from the Darwinian theory of evolution for its inability to satisfactorily explain the origin of man.

One of the major evidences for the evolution of man is homology, that is, the similarity of either anatomical or genetic features between species. For instance, the resemblance in the skeleton structure of apes and humans has been correlated to the homologous genetic sequences within each species as strong evidence for common ancestry. This argument contains the major assumption that similarity equals relatedness. In other words, the more alike two species appear, the more closely they are related to one another. This is known to be a poor assumption. Two species can have homologous anatomy even though they are not related in any way. This is called "convergence" in evolutionary terms. It is now known that homologous features can be generated from entirely different gene segments within different unrelated species. The reality of convergence implies that anatomical features arise because of the need for specific functionality, which is a serious blow to the concept of homology and ancestry.

Additionally, the evolution of man from ape-like ancestors is often argued on the grounds of comparative anatomy within the fossil record. Yet, the fossil record indicates more stability in the forms of species than slow or even drastic changes, which would indicate intermediate stages between modern species. The "missing links" are missing. And unfortunately, the field of paleoanthropology has been riddled with fraudulent claims of finding the missing link between humans and primates, to the extent that fragments of human skeletons have been combined with other species such as pigs and apes and passed off as legitimate. Although genetic variability is seen across all peoples, the process of natural selection leading to speciation is disputed. Research challenging the accepted paradigm continues to surface raising significant questions about the certainty of evolution as the origin of man.

ALSO: (This was not on the web page, but can be found in many other places)
Darwin stated in his book, "numerous successive modifications that cannot be explained by scientific evidence would break down my theory". Basically, this modification type has been found in many places, namely, the flagellum motor. The flagellum motor is like a propeller for the flagellum and consists of 25 different proteins. According to natural selection, these 25 different proteins should have all appeared on the flagellum gradually through means of natural selection. PROBLEM. There is absolutely no evidence of an in-between connector species of flagellum to prove natural selection to be true. The "numerous successive modifications" has been found.

Google search carbon-14 dating flaws... evidence of a "great flood" has also been found.

In regard to any scientific theory, people have to look at the evidence supporting it (or lack of it)AS WELL AS evidence opposing it before they can make an opinion in support of it.

9 comments:

Big Nate Coleman said...

The thing that bugs me the most about evolution and natural selection are the missing links. According to scientists, we have evolved from apes. But, there has yet to be found an in between fossil. This not only goes for humans and apes, but many different species. This is one huge lack of evidence to make the theory of evolution.

Also, evolution had to begin somewhere. I want to know how on earth that something can be made out of nothing? Chemicals were supposed to boil on earth for a billion years until they finally made a cell. Then this cell slowly evolved into different species. But where did all the chemicals come from, and the big bang just doesn't make any sense.

Finally, how do creatures who have been evolved from inanimate objects have emotion? This doesn't make sense. While I am willing to listen to the evidence, there seems to be way to many cloudy spots to even prove evolution as a theory.

Kris-10 Ramay said...

Those are some good questions Nathan. I would like to know the answers to the answers as well. I found the video in class on Friday very interesting. Why would scientists think that wolves and whales are related? I’m not saying they aren't related I just find it funny that the scientists were so determined to find the evolution from one to the other based on similar fossils. All animals have eyes and brains and mouths so why aren't scientists saying that everything evolved from everything????

Navdeep Singh said...

I think the basic question that comes down to is "if the scientsists have all the missing links and the complete description, would you believe it". I guess not! The thing that becomes real bothersom is that the other side that gives you "no proof" Whatsoever seems to be more plausible!

Trevor Robertson said...

I think, to those who believe in the creationist theory, the Bible counts as a valid fact...though, what becomes hazy is where the defining line is. I personally do not think of the Bible as more than a stellar piece of literary history. Therefor, for me at least, basing a scientific theory on it is much like basing a scientific theory on Lord of the Rings. I understand that the Bible is a big part in many lives, especially here in Bakersfield, but it's just that you cannot claim it as fact because, whether you believe in it or not, there is no concrete evidence towards it being true OR false, while evolution, on the other hand, has more evidence supporting it's validity rather than it's falsity.

Also, Nathan mentioned the Big Bang...now I don't necessarily subscribe to that theory, but how it goes is that carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen(?), which are the most prevalent chemicals in the universe, were expanded from nothingness...which, if you look at it objectively, isn't much different than the idea that a deity placed them there...so I guess it's just an aspect of picking a side.

The thing, though, is where do you draw the line between faith and science (as I've said before). If you can discredit one part of the Bible, wouldn't it seem equally as possible that the rest of it could be discredited. I think this frightens a lot of people, because faith is a very powerful positive force, and not just religious faith, but faith in friends, love, and, yes, even science (for some...damn Amish :P).

As understanding as I am, I do NOT condone questioning the integrity of a theory just because of a few holes in it. Yes, there are missing links, but look at how the theory of evolution evolves (ironic, huh?) dynamically... most theories are this way. If you discredit evolution in this manner for this reason, might as well discredit the cell theory and basically any other theory, because while they are scientifically sound in composition, they have holes that are filled in as time goes on.

jesus_cervantes said...

Evolution is a topic that many religious groups do not like to mention; it is often avoided when given the chance. We must understand that religion and science are very distinct and contradict each other. Many religious groups argue that there are no intermediate fossil remains that display the transition from one species to an entirely different species. I know that even if these intermediate fossils are found, people would still not believe the theory of evolution and would think of other things to question evolution. The Bible doesn't mention gravity; doesn't mean you cant believe in it. After all, gravity is the force keeping you on this planet.

I see evolution as basically a school related subject. I will study the theory if I am required to, and will do my best to understand it. After all, my grade depends on it. Religious groups should accept evolution merely as a scientific theory; the same way some scientist respect religious beliefs. In fact, some scientists try to proove religious beliefs using scientific methods. Be nice, don't fight. Understand evolution, have faith in your religion. If this is one day accomplished, then this world would have one less subject dispute to worry about.

Ben Rowe said...

The fact is, there is evidence against evolution. Just the same as people say there is evidence against creationism. Discredit the counter evidence all you want, but isn't that the same thing you are telling creationists not to do in regards to evolution?

and in response to Trevor's comment i would like to add that other theories that lack evidence are in no way lacking evidence that is of nearly the same magnitude as in evolution.

Dana Lillie said...

As a very strong Christian myself (Dr.Singh knows this =), I have to agree with Jesus. Both sides need to respect each others opinions and beliefs. And also, it is clearly stated in the book that evolution is just a scientific theory. Dr.Singh or anyone else is not going to force you to believe it.

With that being said, I do believe that some evolutionary concepts are true, I just simply see them in a different light. Take for example natural selection. Well, obviously if a species has a trait that helps protect it, it will survive. But I don't see this as a random mutation. I see this as God giving his creation a helping hand in survival. And God made every single one of us unique, why can't he make species unique as well?

And as for the Bible and evolution, that can get sticky. The Bible isn't supposed to be some scientific book that has all the awnsers to all our problems. It just tells us about our Lord and savior. Why is any of that other stuff important when we can be learning about him? At least, that is the way I see it. again, the way I live my life with God is based on faith, but to me that is what makes it so rewarding.

Again, this is what I believe, and i can't force what I believe on anyone, but I would like you to listen to me just as I have listened to evolution for the past week and a half.

I hope no one has been offended by what I have said, and if you have, I sincerely apologize.

Kris-10 Ramay said...

It's not that I don't believe scientists.... it's just that scientists are wrong all of the time once there ideas are well known and well liked the rest of society generally believes them until another scientist gets their contradicting work widely accepted....for example Pluto, is it or is it not a planet????....science is just hard to believe and keep up on sometimes...

Maddiee & Megg said...

Evolution has evolved for many years. I find if funny that scientists can find fossils from apes and humans but the theory of evolution still is unsolved?
Scientist take part in action the evidence that occurs from the remains of the species that evolution did indeed occur..
as nate said.. how can chemicals slowly over years turn into living species? where does this process even begin?, let alone become a theory?
In a religious perspective, I greatly feel that God created humans for a specific reason that is still unknown... With this I feel the "missing piece" is within God and his own perspective of what life is and how it began. I feel that scientists are somewhat in the right path, but at the same time go over board on situations. Also, how can someone go as for as choosing what kind of child they want (designer baby)? To me this seems alittle inhumane.