RE: What if?

Suppose there are three stratigraphic layers A,B, and C, in
chronological order, with A the lowest in the pile and the oldest in
age. There are no significant breaks in the pile that would suggest
long periods of time in between them. Suppose we find a fossil animal
in layer A, and a somewhat different one (but yet clearly related)
fossil in C. Evolution predicts that there would be an intermediate
fossil in layer B, if preserved. That prediction could be tested, could
it not?
 
of course this is a simplification, and there are all kinds of "what
if's" and possible exceptions, but this is a definite real possible test
of evolutionary theory. Researchers use this kind of logic all the time
when they want to find the newest, latest, and greatest transitional
form and publish a paper in Science or Nature.
 
best,
Charles
 
 
<><<><<><<><<><<><<><<><<><<><<><<><
Charles W. Carrigan
Olivet Nazarene University
Dept. of Geology
One University Ave.
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
PH: (815) 939-5346
FX: (815) 939-5071
 
 

>>> "Alexanian, Moorad" <alexanian@uncw.edu> 12/7/2004 4:48:37 PM >>>

Evolution is not an experimental science. Is it? It uses science in
the same way that forensic science uses experimental science. Evolution
deals with unique, historical events--just like cosmology. Where is the
nonsense in what I have said. It is your comment that is nonsensical!

Moorad

________________________________

From: Michael Roberts [mailto:michael.andrea.r@ukonline.co.uk]
Sent: Tue 12/7/2004 4:15 PM
To: Alexanian, Moorad; Either Carol or John Burgeson; asa@calvin.edu
Subject: Re: What if?

Nonsense Moorad
----- Original Message -----
From: "Alexanian, Moorad" <alexanian@uncw.edu>
To: "Either Carol or John Burgeson" <burgytwo@juno.com>;
<asa@calvin.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2004 8:38 PM
Subject: RE: What if?

> Burgy you pose the wrong question. Evolution is not on equal footing
with
every scientific theory. In fact, the only scientific theory that would
be
similarly in question would be cosmology. Certainly evolution is not a
scientific theory as such theories in the experimental sciences,
physics,
chemistry, etc.
>
> Moorad
>
> ________________________________
>
> From: asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu on behalf of Either Carol or John
Burgeson
> Sent: Tue 12/7/2004 1:37 PM
> To: asa@calvin.edu
> Subject: What if?
>
>
>
> What would be the end-product of American public schools if
> we allow every scientific theory to be questioned as evolution is
> questioned??
>
> http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2004/12/05/opinion/06purr.html
>
> Burgy
>
>
>
>
Received on Wed Dec 8 11:06:35 2004