Full Version: Evolution
Just to clear there are, I happen to be a supporter of BOTH Intelligent Design and Evolution. I am NOT trying to start a new ID vs. EV debate here, though I imagine some thoughts on ID will crop up (hopefully in context of the topic).
As I said, I believe the Theory of Evolution (as well as Intelligent Design). What I don't understand is why it seemed to deviate slightly from how other creatures evolved over the eons.
I am no scientist or scientific scholar, I am not trying to put forward a theory or question a theory, but rather I am looking to further understand a theory.
It seems to me that most creatures who evolved over the centuries did so to better adapt to their environment. As new forms of the creatures began to thrive, the old forms of the creatures began to die off. There probably are some examples, but other then with man, I can't think of any creature that evolved into a new and better form, where the new form succeeded and the old form remained.
In the case of the evolution of man. It is Theorized that man evolved from Apes.
Question for discussion:
Why is it that Man evolved from Apes, but Apes did not die off as man thrived as seems to me the natural order of things most if not all other examples of evolution?
As I said, I believe the Theory of Evolution (as well as Intelligent Design). What I don't understand is why it seemed to deviate slightly from how other creatures evolved over the eons.
I am no scientist or scientific scholar, I am not trying to put forward a theory or question a theory, but rather I am looking to further understand a theory.
It seems to me that most creatures who evolved over the centuries did so to better adapt to their environment. As new forms of the creatures began to thrive, the old forms of the creatures began to die off. There probably are some examples, but other then with man, I can't think of any creature that evolved into a new and better form, where the new form succeeded and the old form remained.
In the case of the evolution of man. It is Theorized that man evolved from Apes.
Question for discussion:
Why is it that Man evolved from Apes, but Apes did not die off as man thrived as seems to me the natural order of things most if not all other examples of evolution?
Actually, it's theorized that man and apes (and all other primates for that matter), had the same ancestor, not that man came from apes. It's pretty much the same evolutionary chain as any other animal, except for a few missing links in the fossil record.
Why is it that Man evolved from Apes, but Apes did not die off as man thrived as seems to me the natural order of things most if not all other examples of evolution?
Mrs. P has stated the issue as I understand it: apes are cousins not ancestors. The fossil record has been largely filled in of late. Here's a good link showing the timeline of fossil evidence for this. Apart from fossil homology, there is also work based on forensics of genetic evidence as well. For example, DNA (be that nuclear or mitochondrial) have certain known mutation rates. These statistics can be used to predict backwards in time when certain characteristics emerged in a given lineage. The mutation rates can be used to create a differential of human genes from other primate genes to determine when there was a common ancestor.
For the larger questions of evolution, I'd suggest reading publications of Stephen Jay Gould and Richard Dawkins. Reading the "Origin of Species" by Darwin was very informative and revealed to me that there is much disinformation with regard to his original theories.
Mrs. P has stated the issue as I understand it: apes are cousins not ancestors. The fossil record has been largely filled in of late. Here's a good link showing the timeline of fossil evidence for this. Apart from fossil homology, there is also work based on forensics of genetic evidence as well. For example, DNA (be that nuclear or mitochondrial) have certain known mutation rates. These statistics can be used to predict backwards in time when certain characteristics emerged in a given lineage. The mutation rates can be used to create a differential of human genes from other primate genes to determine when there was a common ancestor.
For the larger questions of evolution, I'd suggest reading publications of Stephen Jay Gould and Richard Dawkins. Reading the "Origin of Species" by Darwin was very informative and revealed to me that there is much disinformation with regard to his original theories.
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In regards to topics that may be steered towards religion:
If the primary focus of a topic is politics or current events and religion is an aspect of it, then the topic is allowed. Therefore, topics like 'Were the founding fathers trying to establish a Judeo-Christian Nation?' or 'Should the 10 Commandments be displayed on public buildings? are all acceptable debates. Those topics are primarily about politics and/or current events and can be debated with outside sources in a constructive fashion. However if the focus is not primarily politics or current events, and a possible debate argument may resort to citing religious texts as facts then we can not allow the thread. This question fell within the latter category and that is why we can not allow it and do not have the means to moderate it.
Thank you for your understanding.
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