Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

How ancient whales lost their legs, got sleek and conquered the oceans
EurekAlert (AAAS) ^ | 22 May 2006 | Staff

Posted on 05/23/2006 4:08:38 AM PDT by PatrickHenry

click here to read article


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 301-320321-340341-360361-365 next last
To: Doctor Stochastic
Whales never did have legs nor does science claim so.

I don't know. It depends on where you draw the "whale/whale ancestor" line.

From Babinski.

341 posted on 05/29/2006 7:33:26 AM PDT by VadeRetro (Faster than a speeding building; able to leap tall bullets at a single bound!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 337 | View Replies]

To: PatrickHenry
How ancient whales lost their legs, got sleek and conquered the oceans

I assumed that they were horsing around, fell off the Ark, and had to swim for it!

342 posted on 05/29/2006 7:37:02 AM PDT by headsonpikes (Genocide is the highest sacrament of socialism.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ScubieNuc

I thank you for the post, and there was no sarcasm intended, after going to your reference I see that they referred to the Neanderthal man as fully human, were does he enter into the time scale, and they are saying that in fact we are all descendent's of Noah, after the great flood, but the U.S.Dept. of geology says that if you covered the worlds land mass with all the water not in the oceans (3,426 million cubic miles, 1 mile = 1 trillion gallons) the worlds land mass would be covered to a depth of approx. 1 inch ( taking that you can stick water on mountains) anyway 1 inch is hardly enough to get your feet wet, I suggest Noah might have done better going to high ground as the animal population at the supposed time of his being would weigh in at about 87,000 tons, and to build a ARK out of wood to carry such a cargo would have a combined weight of about 190,000 tons some engineer this Noah, even with Gods help it defies all engineering logic,like I said before there are still people that believe that the earth is flat, and I personally believe in numbers as it is difficult to make 2+2= 7( notice that is NOT two by two )


343 posted on 05/29/2006 9:24:57 AM PDT by jerryem (naturally, I will be misinterpreted)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 338 | View Replies]

To: VadeRetro
It depends on where you draw the "whale/whale ancestor" line.

I'll leave that to the continuum descretizer contingent (CDC).

344 posted on 05/29/2006 9:37:13 AM PDT by Doctor Stochastic (Vegetabilisch = chaotisch ist der Charakter der Modernen. - Friedrich Schlegel)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 341 | View Replies]

To: ScubieNuc

LOL...this thread is still going on? Scubie, I know you're well intentioned...but...


345 posted on 05/29/2006 10:00:21 AM PDT by WKUHilltopper
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 315 | View Replies]

To: WKUHilltopper

I thought it was over too! Al as much as wrote me off twice, and I was fine with that, but then I see he felt he needed to educate me on wheat and grass. So I (maybe foolishly) answered his last.

As far as jerry goes...he sent me another post claiming I didn't answer his first question, then posing another. I try to be accomodating. 8^)

I'm stuck at work, and the one thing I can occasionally do is monitor FR, so I'm suseptable to getting pulled into a "quagmire."

Hope you are having a good day.

Sincerely


346 posted on 05/29/2006 10:23:59 AM PDT by ScubieNuc
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 345 | View Replies]

To: jerryem
Jerry,

The short answer I can give you for all your questions about Genesis is...I have come to trust God. There are places that offer suggestions how that could have happened,(Here and Here ) but it isn't undeniable proof. If that's what you want, then I nor the Bible will present it. To believe in God it requires faith.

However, to believe in the "goo-zoo-you" origins idea, you need to take leaps of faith. What I mean by that is, unless you can observe it and/or reproduce it consistantly in experiments, you use faith. Faith that the Scientists that came up with theory are accurate. Faith that the data the Scientists used for their theory is accurate. Faith that the peer review was completely thorough and unbiased. And on and on.

I see you put your faith/trust in the scientist over the Bible. I know many people who do, but that doesn't mean that I as a Creationist is a "flat worlder." In other words, I don't reject observable science. I actually enjoy science. I only wish I had the time to do the research and become more learned, but as for now, my dye is cast.

Sincerely
347 posted on 05/29/2006 10:59:58 AM PDT by ScubieNuc
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 343 | View Replies]

To: ScubieNuc

"I thought it was over too! Al as much as wrote me off twice, and I was fine with that, but then I see he felt he needed to educate me on wheat and grass. So I (maybe foolishly) answered his last.

As far as jerry goes...he sent me another post claiming I didn't answer his first question, then posing another. I try to be accomodating. 8^)

I'm stuck at work, and the one thing I can occasionally do is monitor FR, so I'm suseptable to getting pulled into a "quagmire."

Hope you are having a good day.

Sincerely"

Ahh, yes...the wheat and grass. I'm still awaiting the link for that reference. Keep 'em flyin'!


348 posted on 05/29/2006 11:32:52 AM PDT by WKUHilltopper
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 346 | View Replies]

To: WKUHilltopper


<< Ahh, yes...the wheat and grass. I'm still awaiting the link for that reference. Keep 'em flyin'! >>


Au contraire! I said you could google it. There are many links you could use. And YOU said you would look into it.
It's not a silly question. It goes to the heart of your claim that speciation does not occur.


349 posted on 05/29/2006 9:25:01 PM PDT by Almagest
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 348 | View Replies]

To: Almagest

I need something more specific on it. Couldn't weed thru all the "near hits".


350 posted on 05/29/2006 10:05:06 PM PDT by WKUHilltopper
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 349 | View Replies]

To: Almagest

This is about as close to what you were saying (maybe it's because I can't stand Google and don't use it). http://www.genetics.org/cgi/content/full/168/2/1087

The jist or conjecture is wheat and human share a common series of evolution with each other.


351 posted on 05/29/2006 10:14:01 PM PDT by WKUHilltopper
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 349 | View Replies]

To: WKUHilltopper

However, Haung's conclusion was "However, recent data suggest that most domestication-driven, agronomic, and end-use traits, as well as those genes involved in landmark speciation events such as polyploidy, are crop and species specific."

I agree, if it were plausible, it would be species specific. I wouldn't expect wheat to evolve into an elephant, but some other plant form specific to wheat--but would still be a species of wheat. Kinda like you can't cross breed apples and oranges. Different species, I'm guessing.


352 posted on 05/29/2006 10:23:27 PM PDT by WKUHilltopper
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 351 | View Replies]

To: WKUHilltopper


<< The jist or conjecture is wheat and human share a common series of evolution with each other. >>


It wasn't conjecture. It was merely pointing out a parallel -- not a common series.


353 posted on 05/30/2006 9:52:17 AM PDT by Almagest
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 351 | View Replies]

To: WKUHilltopper


<< The jist or conjecture is wheat and human share a common series of evolution with each other. >>


Why can't domestic wheat interbreed with emmer grass?

Because domestic wheat is a descendant of wild emmer grass, through mutations and natural and human-directed selection. Now, domestic wheat is a different species.

IOW -- speciation.

If you would like more examples of speciation, just let me know. If you would like to continue holding your hands over your ears and closing your eyes tight -- that only says something about you, not the evidence.


354 posted on 05/30/2006 9:55:12 AM PDT by Almagest
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 352 | View Replies]

To: Almagest

"Because domestic wheat is a descendant of wild emmer grass, through mutations and natural and human-directed selection. Now, domestic wheat is a different species."

This proves wheat is of the same kind. Much like wolves probably begat dogs. But if the DNA has been artifically manipulated, then it's a different issue.

What's your take on Haung's conclusion?


355 posted on 05/30/2006 10:35:30 AM PDT by WKUHilltopper
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 354 | View Replies]

To: WKUHilltopper


<< This proves wheat is of the same kind. >>


So -- speciation does not occur -- but when it DOES occur, it's okay, because it's the same "kind."

I have been asking creationists for ten years to define "kind." I get a lot of evasions -- and when I do get answers, I get things like "species" -- or "genus" -- or "order" -- or even "family."

What is a "kind" and where do we find a definition like that in science?


356 posted on 05/30/2006 10:51:39 AM PDT by Almagest
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 355 | View Replies]

To: Almagest

"What is a "kind" and where do we find a definition like that in science?"

I doubt if you'll find that term in scientific circles. It's Scripturely based.


"So -- speciation does not occur -- but when it DOES occur, it's okay, because it's the same "kind."

If plausable--is what I said. That would mean from a mircoevolutionary concept--it might be feasible, in my opinion. (note: I said might, which means I would entertain the thought). But from a macro perspective, no. I don't believe there's compelling evidence suggesting a macroevolutionary process is "creating" new and different life forms--separate and genetically different from the "parent".

As far as the wheat and emmer grass studies, the fact that man has done much in "breeding" different strains may be one reason these are incompatible. Any of us in Kentucky can tell you that thoroughbreds are pretty much tapped out as "designer" racing horses. In fact, some are so inbred, that they're ineffective, can't reproduce, too fragile, etc. Probably because the bred has not benefited from genetic drift and diversity.

Just my hunch.


357 posted on 05/30/2006 6:47:05 PM PDT by WKUHilltopper
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 356 | View Replies]

To: WKUHilltopper

"What is a "kind" and where do we find a definition like that in science?"

"I doubt if you'll find that term in scientific circles. It's Scripturely based."


No, you won't find it in science, so why are you insisting on using it to refute a scientific conclusion? And since you still have not defined it -- scientifically OR biblically -- it has no real meaning.

This creationist argument -- "the kinds are fixed, and it is impossible for evolution to pass the barrier between them" -- cannot stand up under even the slightest scrutiny. Creationists have never been able to tell me -- or anyone else, as far as I can tell -- what the created kinds are.

If kinds are distinct, it should be easy to distinguish between them. Instead, what do we find in nature? We find what is called a 'nested hierarchy' of similarities, with kinds within kinds within kinds. Pick a "kind" -- and we find that this "kind" fits nicely into larger and larger "kinds" that are inclusive of that one.

No matter where you posit your barrier for how much is included -- there will be many groups that overlap the boundaries of that barrier. While this pattern fits the prediction of evolution, it directly violates the "biblical" principle of "fixity of the kinds."

In fact -- this idea of a barrier between "kinds" is not even taught in the Bible. All the Bible says is that the different "kinds" were created, and that they reproduce "after their kind." This does not contradict evolution, since evolution does not posit that individuals evolve -- only populations, after a cumulative amount of mutations and selections.

The Bible nowhere says that "kinds" cannot change and grow into more variety of "kinds," nor does it give any hint concerning any "barrier" that prevents evolution from passing beyond the "kind" level -- whatever that is.

I have two questions:

1) What is a "kind"? Same question I asked before, which you did not answer.

and

2) What is the scientific mechanism that erects a barrier between kinds, so that evolution can work up to that point, but no further?




358 posted on 05/30/2006 8:20:19 PM PDT by Almagest
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 357 | View Replies]

To: PatrickHenry
"Studies on swimming in mammals show that a sleek body is necessary for efficient swimming, because projecting organs such as rudimentary hind limbs cause a lot of drag, and slow a swimmer down," said Thewissen, who spends about a month every year in Pakistan and India collecting fossils that document the land-to-water transition of whales.

So-o-o-o-.....whales started out as water dwelling creatures, evolved into landlubbers (landblubbers?) and then re-evolved back into water creatures?

Can one use the words "evolved" and "creatures" in the same sentence?

359 posted on 05/30/2006 8:25:29 PM PDT by Texas Eagle (If it wasn't for double-standards, Liberals would have no standards at all.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Almagest

"1) What is a "kind"? Same question I asked before, which you did not answer."

I don't define it, the Scriptures do.

My guess would be a more defined taxonomic classification based upon observation or physical evidence of the animals themselves. Whereas we know a coyote/dog when we see it. And can observe this is a "kind" of canine and it's characteristics attests to the evidence of such. And we know that dogs can't breed with aligators. Nor would I expect a wolf breeding with a cockerspaniel produce a new "kind", such as a bird.

The creation by God of distinct "kinds" is described in 1 Corinthians 15:38-39 implies that transmutations between kinds is precluded, or at least superfluous.

1 Corinthians 15:38-39 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

38 But God gives it a body as He wants, and to each of the seeds its own body.
39 Not all flesh is the same flesh; there is one flesh for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish.


Otherwise, I guess you could google it! LOL!

"2) What is the scientific mechanism that erects a barrier between kinds, so that evolution can work up to that point, but no further?"

Because God created life "each according to its kind" as specified in Genesis. See also, again, 1 Corinthians 15:38-39. The same reason we cannot breed with apes, they are of a different kind. If we were of like kind, then this would be possible. But we're not. We may share similar DNA, (what? something like 96%? Can't remember)etc, but this doesn't tell us anything. Clouds are 100% water. Watermellon is approximately 98% water. Are we to conclude they have a similar "make up" and should expect to observe mellons in the sky?

I supposed God could evolve Man as you implied. Nothing is impossible for God, but I've not read anything suggesting this. I guess you could argue the term "creation" in general terms and that God used a process. However, the references in the Scriptures clearly use the term "create". Until there is anything compelling that is "discovered" and goes through a proper peer review, I'll still remain within the word of the Gospel otherwise.

I've tried to honestly and respectly respond to your questions based on my belief system irrespective of the so-called evidence that you've embraced--and haven't been a wise guy or silly like I was earlier. Now I have a couple of questions--

1. Why is it you would discount the word of God and why would you believe that God did not do the things as described? Is God a liar? If God created Man in His image, then why are the Scriptures that difficult to understand/believe--especially in light of the "Y chromosone Adam" discovery?

2. Why is it important to put your faith in what Man tells you rather than an all encompassing God?






360 posted on 05/30/2006 10:00:37 PM PDT by WKUHilltopper
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 358 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 301-320321-340341-360361-365 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson