What does the theory of common descent forbid?

[kmarinas86]

If proposition X forbids a specific type of case from occurring, then showing that case to be "the case" would falsify that proposition.

According to different websites, the theory of common descent suggests that the following are impossible:

Self-pollination of a hermaphrodite flower
Mutations that cause the growth of functional horns, hoofs or other traits that theory of common descent forbids will be found in humans
The appearance of a new creature with no ties to its predecessors

If cases such as decribed above occurs then either:
1) It was not a requirement of theory of common descent, or
2) The theory of common descent is falsified.

A testable requirement of theory of common descent is what is required to be impossible by theory of common descent (in the present and in the future), to point of being NON-NEGOTIABLE. With a requirement as defined here, any instantiation of a forbidden case would NON-NEGOTIABLY require proponents to abandon the theory of common descent. In physics, abandoment happens partially, since some less accurate theories are not abandoned (e.g. Newton's theory of Universal Gravitation). So this is not about abandoning the theory completely per se, but about what cases which if they occured, would render the "theory of common descent" inaccurate at the least.

The basic requirement of meaty science is not showing plausiblity, but rather showing that everything that MUST be forbidden by a theory has not occurred and that therefore, such a theory is a good delimiter, or explanation, of aspects of the natural world. Without delimitation, the argument may fly against face metaphysical naturalism and suspend reason with unsubstantiated "what if" explanations. Science needs theories (especially theories of theories) which are DELIMITING.

You can participate in this thread by achieving a consensus on what MUST be required (that is observable hereafter) by a theory of theories called the theory of common descent. Note that there may be multiple requirements because a single requirement would likely have further implications on what is forbidden.

 

[Level]

What does the Theory of Common Descent forbid?

"Fossil rabbits in the Precambrian."
- Haldane

 

[ravenprp]

The theory of common descent forbids the occurrence of cases that contradict the idea of gradual change and branching evolution from a common ancestor. This includes cases such as the sudden appearance of a completely new creature with no ties to its predecessors, mutations that result in the growth of functional horns or hooves in humans, and self-pollination in hermaphrodite flowers.

If any of these cases were to occur, it would falsify the theory of common descent, as they go against the fundamental principles of gradual change and common ancestry. This would require proponents of the theory to either modify it or abandon it altogether.

In addition, the theory of common descent also forbids the idea of a static and unchanging species. This means that the theory predicts that all species are in a constant state of change and adaptation, and that there is no such thing as a fixed and unchanging species. Any evidence of a species remaining unchanged over a long period of time would also contradict the theory of common descent.

Overall, the theory of common descent forbids any evidence that goes against the principles of gradual change, branching evolution, and the constant adaptation of species. This is what makes it a delimiting and testable theory, as any evidence that contradicts these fundamental principles would render it inaccurate.