Fossil is missing link in elephant lineage

U of Michigan ^ | Oct. 31, 2006 | Anon

[From many - one.]

Dunno, my mind reading skills aren't too strong.

That's why I said "apparently"...it fit the evidence I'm aware of. Still does, since it is a less effecive source if no one can find it.

Try prying the key off and cleaning it.

[Texas Songwriter]

The modern elephants' dentition is comprised of "Plate-like" dentition. So was the Mammoth in the fossil series. This specimen looks like the Mastodon with enameled dentition. People who have studied this subject know that Mammut americanum (mastodon) had three sets of deciduous teeth (baby teeth) and a final set of permanent teeth. If you look at the forward part of the specimen before the break in the mandible, you see an unerupted molar, or partially erupted molar and behind, an erupted molar or premolar. This is the size and look of an immature Mastodon mandible which I collected on McFaddin Beach,TExas. I wrote my Masters Thesis on fossils collected there.

Pump your evolutionary sunshine somewhere else. I ain't bitin'.

[wideminded]

And scientists practicing in the field don't "believe in" evolution, we just consider it the best possible explanation for our data. Same as with any other scientific theory.

believe:
2. to have confidence or faith in the truth of (a positive assertion, story, etc.); give credence to.
- dictionary.com

At some point you made a judgment call that the theory of evolution was an adequate explanation of the state of life in the world, that the evidence for this was overwhelming. You were not offered a mathematical proof, but based on all that you know, you "give credence to" and "have confidence in" evolution as a correct explanation.

As for Jim Robinson's actions, I find this somewhat distressing. I have always had the attitude that being on FR is sort of like being in Jim Robinson's living room. Sometimes this has caused me to not say things that he or others might find offensive. But I also felt that one of the strengths of FR has been that it was a great forum for open debate, where people are not censored or banned as long as they discuss things in a civil manner. To me one of the most attactive aspects of conservative thought is the idea that opinions must be backed up with logic and reason. If certain opinions that that are not even in any way political are no longer allowed, I'm sure some of the best people around here have already left.

[From many - one.]

I understand and agree with your definition, but there seems to be a FR and Biblical literalist limited modification that involves the absence of evidence. That's why I used quotes.

And yes, many of the best have left.

[upcountryhorseman]

I submit that this fossil fragment is not sufficient evidence to prove the contention.