Pterodactyl fossil fills gaps in evolutionary tale

cnn. ^

[JoeProBono]

Scientists say a very rare find of some 20 fossilized pterodactyls has produced the first clear evidence of a controversial theory of evolution.The fossils were found in north-east China earlier this year, embedded in rock dating back 160 million years, and have been called "Darwinopterus" after the renowned naturalist Charles Darwin.

The creature's discovery has astounded scientists because their age puts them within two recognized groups of pterodactyls -- primitive long-tailed forms and advanced short-tail forms -- and they display characteristics of both.

The combination of features indicates that the primitive pterodactyls evolved relatively quickly, and that certain groups of features changed at the same time.

Traditional evolutionary theory suggests that one feature -- a tail for instance -- would slowly evolve over time.....

[JoeProBono]

This image shows the fossilized skeleton of Darwinopterus which was found in north-east China earlier this year

The pterodactyl has been named Darwinopterus, meaning "Darwin's wing" after naturalist Charles Darwin

This is the skull of Darwinopterus, which measures 18.5 centimeters.

[Mojave]

Traditional evolutionary theory

Traditional? How many theories are there?

[ClearCase_guy]

The researchers say more study is needed to substantiate the idea of that evolution could occur relatively quickly, and that whole parts of a plant or animal's body could change at once.

The concept of slow change over millions of years through gradual genetic drift seems to have taken a hit.

[SJSAMPLE]

That’s not a dinosaur.
It’s a demon.
Slain by Jesus.

[dartuser]

Traditional? How many theories are there?

Just the one ... anything but God.

[gbscott1954]

“The researchers say more study is needed to substantiate the idea of that evolution could occur relatively quickly, and that whole parts of a plant or animal’s body could change at once.”

I have always thought it strange that things just “happening”, whether at once as in the “Big Bang” or over billions of years was logical and creation by a logical creator didn’t make sense. I guess Paul got it right. They perceived themselves to be wise but became fools!

[Daffynition]

[SIDENET]

a very rare find of some 20 fossilized pterodactyls

"I used to feed them bread crumbs at the park."

[calex59]

At least 3.

[calex59]

Yes, they have been trying to get around that one for quite a while, no transitional species you know, so they came up with the punctuated equilibrium theory, which supersedes Neo-Darwinism which superseded Darwinism. There may be other forms of Darwinism out there but those are the 3 most common.

[Doc Savage]

Evolution is a fairy tale. This evolved into that. That evolved into this. Nonsense. Perhaps evolutionists would like to clearly spell out exactly how blind randomness works at the molecular level.. Please, be exact,... and exactly specific. I want to know the exact molecular reactions for every animal and plant features that have ever existed or do exist and how these ‘random’ molecular events eventually ended in such diversity.

[Conan the Librarian]

Whoa! A duckasaurus!

I thought they only appeared at Donald’s Breakfastasaurus.

You learn something new every day!

[JoeProBono]

[scoobysnak71]

LMAO

[JoeProBono]

[Nosterrex]

I was watching a show on the National Geographic Channel, and there are a significant number of scientist that believe that about a third of the dinosaur species were not different species at all. They believe that dinosaurs made huge physical changes while they lived. This would be a death blow to Darwinianism’s belief in slow evolutionary change. The so-called missing links aren't missing links. Most likely this isn't a new pterodactyl species at all, but a teenager so to speak. Of course the biggest obstacle is the ego of scientists. No one wants to admit that a species that he discovered isn't a new species after all.