Evolution: Is it Real? Answers from Biologists

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the topic of evolution, specifically whether humans evolved from other species, and the implications of this belief. Participants explore various viewpoints on the evidence for evolution, the definitions of scientific theories, and the intersection of science and personal beliefs.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that there is no doubt among the scientific community that humans evolved from a common ancestor with apes, while others express skepticism about this claim.
  • One participant questions why other species could evolve but not humans, prompting further exploration of beliefs and evidence.
  • Another participant emphasizes the distinction between evolution as a fact and the theories explaining how it occurred, noting that evolution can be observed in various species.
  • Concerns are raised about the interpretation of evolution as merely a theory, with some participants arguing that scientific theories have a different meaning than colloquial usage.
  • Several participants highlight the importance of evidence, including fossil records and genetic similarities, while others maintain that personal beliefs, particularly religious ones, influence their acceptance of evolution.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of scientific theories, with some participants clarifying that a scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation rather than an unproven idea.
  • Some participants challenge the notion that humans did not evolve from apes, arguing that humans are classified as apes and fit within that definition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views, with no consensus reached on the topic of human evolution. Some firmly support the idea of evolution, while others question its validity based on personal beliefs.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying interpretations of scientific evidence and the definitions of evolution and theory. Participants also express differing levels of acceptance regarding the relationship between scientific findings and personal beliefs.

  • #121
Strange how some get so *****y...
 
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  • #122
kirkmcloren said:
I say you have no proof.

What do you make of the changes in the fossil record through time?

How about the genetic markers that corroborate the geographic and temporal evolutionary history displayed by the fossil record?

How about the directly observed instances of speciation?

How about the observed instances of genetic mutatations that resulted in non-detrimental effects?
 
  • #123
kirkmcloren said:
You have never seen a transitional specie

We have many fossil examples of transitional forms.

and natural selection involves reduction of diversity from the parent--not evolution.

That too is PART of evolution. Some mechanisms increase diversity (e.g., recombination, mutation, gene flow) whereas other mechanisms decrease diversity.

Can you prove life on Earth wasn't put here by the mother ship?

You ask to "prove the negative". Regardless, we can prove that life has the capacity to change and we can provide evidence that it has changed in the past. On the other hand, there is no scientific evidence to indicate that life was placed here by an alien spaceship.
 
  • #124
I heard part of Alistair Begg's message on the 'Truth for Life' program on Christian radio this morning. His theme was that male and female roles have gotten all mixed up in the last 150 years. He blames the teaching of evolution, which to him is a pack of lies. His one-sentence summary of evolution was [and I am quoting him exactly]: "DNA met DNA in a pile of sludge."

CAN SOMEBODY--I SAY--CAN SOMEBODY SHOUT OUT "STRAW MAN ARGUMENT" FOR ME?
 
  • #125
You think that's bad? A pentecostal told me that evolution says "two rocks collided, amoebas came out and that's where humans came from"
 
  • #126
I invented evolution!
 
  • #127
"DNA met DNA in a pile of sludge."
"two rocks collided, amoebas came out and that's where humans came from"

Excellent examples why a strong science program is important for public schools.
 
  • #128
Phobos said:
Excellent examples why a strong science program is important for public schools.

Agreed. It kills me when uneducated yokels spout off at how scientists are always wrong, lie, etc. Meanwhile, they can't explain a single phenomenom except by crediting their appropriate paranormal entity.
 

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