RE: What if?

How many layers must we analyze to see a clear species/species transition?
 
Moorad
 
 

________________________________

From: asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu on behalf of Charles Carrigan
Sent: Wed 12/8/2004 11:05 AM
To: asa@calvin.edu; Alexanian, Moorad
Subject: 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 14:38:09 2004