Evolution

[Schneibster]

OK, now the big bugaboo. What exactly is "the theory of evolution?"

First, evolution isn't a theory. It's an observed fact. The theory is why it occurs. This is apparent from the full name: The Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection.

Evolution has been observed in moths hiding on English birches, which over time became smudged with soot from industrialization and home heating, during which the moths changed from light with dark spots to dark with white spots. Evolution has been observed in fruit flies, and mosquitoes. Most significantly, "ring species," which surround some mountains, start on one side of the mountain, and expand out both ways; when they meet on the far side of the mountain they can no longer interbreed. They've evolved. The flies have become immune to the no-pest strip. The flesh-eating bacteria have become immune to the antibiotic.

The theory, then, is the theory of natural selection. In essence this means that those whose characteristics give them an advantage breed more than those whose characteristics do not.

Now the question here is, how is this arbitrary set of characteristics selected by circumstance, by "nature," i.e. "nature-al selection," if you will, any different from the random arbitrary set of characteristics (eye color, ear shape, tail length or shortness, mouse-catching ability) selected for in cats, wittingly or unwittingly, by humans who befriend, feed, and encourage them? What's the difference between the arbitrary "natural" constraints imposed by an advance in a predator, or a pest control technique, and arbitrary "purposeful" constraints that encourage different-colored eyes in purebred Malemutes, imposed by humans over time? I just don't get why anyone thinks these are different.

[Schneibster]

Also I have to say I find it rather surreal having to find out whether there are people who don't "believe in" evolution on the fusion web site.

It's kind of like finding out fusion is very popular with the Flat Earth Society.

Just sayin'.

I mean aren't you guys all about how the magic of jebus makes the sun shine and stuff? Burning people alive for claiming the Earth isn't the center of the universe and so forth?

[Stubby]

but where are the transitional forms?

[Schneibster]

but where are the transitional forms?

Back around the mountain.

[Stubby]

be serious
standard YEC question

[Schneibster]

be serious
standard YEC question

I am serious. (And I know you're not a YEC.)

The transitional forms are all around the mountain, two species that can't interbreed on one side of the mountain, and one species on the other, and the transitional forms all the way around. Ring species. Look it up on TalkOrigins. It's been observed in plants, insects, and lizards.

[Schneibster]

Also, Stubby, they more commonly assert that breeding has nothing to do with evolution. I think that's the one that's ridiculous to most people. If you tried to pick up a cute north African desert cat you would require stitches. Yet every domestic cat alive descends from them. The creationists claim that's not evolution. I suggest if they think there's none they go get the stitches. Then maybe they'll believe reality.

My aunt kept Basenjis. Believe me, there is a huge difference between wild dogs and domesticated dogs. My uncle, a foot taller and a hundred pounds heavier than her, couldn't go near them. You either have the attitude and they recognize it, and submit, or they will rip you apart. I mean seriously, they will kill you: chase you down, hamstring you and cut your jugular/carotid. Bring a club. Have a clear idea what you're doing.

[choff]

This one's for you.

http://www.darwinawards.com/

[Schneibster]

This one's for you.

http://www.darwinawards.com/

I'd think Lawnchair Larry was more your speed.

http://www.darwinawards.com/stupid/stupid1998-11.html

[Schneibster]

Here's an intermediate form: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 102357.htm

Alive today; probably not even rare.