[DouglasKC]

The fact that this did not happen suggests that there are genetic constraints involved. Clifford J. Tabin of Harvard Medical School has suggested that the genes that control digit formation are structured so as to produce five basic patterns (thumbs, pinkies, etc., in the case of a human hand)

"Genetic constraints". "Structured". Almost sounds like it was designed that way.

[SteveMcKing]

"Genetic constraints" means you die before birth (or technically anytime before you reproduce with viable offspring). That's it.

[ConsentofGoverned]

The basic question for those that support evolution:

was the data encoded in DNA for all life present at the beginnings and over time masked data is activated..

or the data was incomplete in DNA and new DNA was "added" with survival advantages so it was passed on..

If you look at old life (blue/green) bacteria the full genetic code for mammals is missing so #1 seem less likely

So more likely data in form of DNA was added to genetic code ..was this data the result of virus infections or prions..chemical or energy (UV light) impacts..

The problem with #2..why would one assume that random additions of data or mutation of data is viable it would be an article of faith in theory of evolution -

It seems to me that intelligent design done over time has as much going for it as the above - if evolution was the only way to change species why do we still have very primitive bacteria that have Never evolved ? they were exempted from the forces that have acted on other forms of life for billions of years--seems strange that any old form including sharks and crocks would not have had major evolutionary change when the Evolutionist tell us that Evolution is such a powerful force- why are these life forms not effected???
grist for the mill