Evolution

[g0rph]

(Borrowed from Facebook - )

I don't believe in evolution. Rather, I accept the overwhelming evidence that supports evolution.
The theory of evolution stands as one of the most well-supported scientific principles, backed by an overwhelming abundance of evidence. Fossil records and genetic studies all reinforce the fact that species evolve over time.
We can also literally observe evolution. We see it in fruit flies and many other short-lived creatures. It's not something one has to "believe in." You can literally watch it happen.
Despite this, the term "missing link" persists, often misused to suggest that evolution is riddled with gaps or unresolved mysteries.
In reality, scientists have discovered numerous transitional fossils, including early human ancestors such as Sahelanthropus tchadensis (6–7 million years old), Ardipithecus ramidus (4.5 million years old), and Australopithecus sediba (1.9 million years old). These fossils, among many many others, vividly illustrate the gradual development of species over time.
What's more, no fossil has ever contradicted the theory of evolution. Among the vast number of fossils we’ve discovered (and there are many), not a single one has provided evidence that challenges evolutionary principles.
In fact, every fossil can be considered a transitional form, exhibiting traits shared with other species, further illustrating the gradual changes that occur over time.
We can debate how or why species evolve — natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, etc. — but we know species evolve.

 

[Lou]

Yes!
I just discovered a good friend of mine does not believe in evolution. I was so surprised. I actually got nasty. but I have already apologized.
I was just surprised. the religious people I know - I know they are religious and avoid the topic. This blindsided me.

The topic came up because I am reading and very excited about a book called, Better off Without Them, A Northern manifesto for Southern Secession. The first chapter is a take down of Southern Evangelicals. Only after I started talking about it did she tell me she was an evangelical.

Anyway, @g0rph , the thing that this reminded me of is that we need to be sensitive to other's beliefs when discussing this topic.

I have read everything by Richard Dawkins. Just love his topics and his style.

the study of human evolution is sort of a hobby of. mine.

 

[g0rph]

Yes!
I just discovered a good friend of mine does not believe in evolution. I was so surprised. I actually got nasty. but I have already apologized.
I was just surprised. the religious people I know - I know they are religious and avoid the topic. This blindsided me.

The topic came up because I am reading and very excited about a book called, Better off Without Them, A Northern manifesto for Southern Secession. The first chapter is a take down of Southern Evangelicals. Only after I started talking about it did she tell me she was an evangelical.

Anyway, @g0rph , the thing that this reminded me of is that we need to be sensitive to other's beliefs when discussing this topic.

I have read everything by Richard Dawkins. Just love his topics and his style.

the study of human evolution is sort of a hobby of. mine.

You are too kind.

I avoid these people like the plague. I have no issue with someone wanting to believe in a higher power (even if it is just wishful thinking), but evolution deniers are like children holding their ears and going 'wah wah wah' - can't hear you!'

Evolution is clearly a fact. And the theory of evolution by natural selection a well proven framework that explains how the fact of evolution works.
And yes, it's a shame that Dawkins decided to weigh in on a subject he knows little about (gender biology), because on that he comes across as extremely ignorant and uses the same old non-arguments as the bigots, because his "The Greatest Show on Earth" is a must read where evolution by natural selection is concerned.

Also, I love that the word 'meme' was in fact coined by Dawkins (in The Selfish Gene)