PC Exam Questions

Derek McLarnen (dmclarne@pcug.org.au)
Sun, 23 Jun 1996 01:12:57 +1000 (EST)

Recently, I got to thinking, if PC was taught as a legitimate alternative to
evolution in high school, college or undergraduate science, what might a PC
assignment or even PC examination questions look like. This is what I came
up with.

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Question 1 (5 points for each part)
a) Please describe the supernatural mechanisms used to effect the types of
major genetic change that you understand to be beyond the capacity of
natural mechanisms?

b) Cite documentation of direct or indirect observations of these
supernatural mechanisms in operation. Citation of peer-reviewed primary
documentation is preferred.

Question 2 (10 points for each part)
a) How much change in the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of
populations can be ascribed to natural mechanisms? What prevents greater
change than this from occurring by natural mechanisms?

b) How much change in the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of
populations must be ascribed to supernatural mechanisms?

Justify your answers to 2a and 2b using experimentally verified rates of
genetic and phenotypic variation in wild populations.

Question 3 (50 points)
For EACH animal species in the following list (List A), list (in List B)
three other animal species that may be related by common descent to this
species without the necessary involvement of supernatural mechanisms. Also
list (in List C) three other animal species that cannot be related by common
descent to this species without the necessary involvement of supernatural
mechanisms. The animals in Lists B and C should be chosen so as to define,
as accurately as possible, the maximum capability of natural mechanisms and
the minimum requirement for supernatural mechanisms. Explain the origin of
the phenotypic and genetic characteristics that separate the animals in List
C from their counterparts in Lists A and B.

List A List B List C
Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm)

Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly)

Micropterus salmoides (largemouth bass)

Haliaeetus leucocephalus (bald eagle)

Canis lupus (wolf)

Pan troglodytes (common chimpanzee)

Homo sapiens sapiens (human)

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So, having written this hypothetical exam, what would I like?

Opinions as to whether the above questions would lead to a fair assessment
of a student's understanding of the scientific basis of progressive creationism.

Answers to the above questions.

Discussion of posted answers to the above questions.

More appropriate questions.

Regards

Derek

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| Derek McLarnen | dmclarne@pcug.org.au |
| Melba ACT | dmclarne@ncomcanb.telstra.com.au |
| Australia | |
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