Blind scorpions (or fish) as proof of evolution?

Answers in Genesis indicate that they “delight in using blind cave fish as
examples of 'downhill' or 'information-losing' mutations causing
'devolution'”
(http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v23/i1/eldredge.asp).

The metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly is something that causes
me to question the feasibility of evolution. How can random mutations and
natural selection account for this? I’m not saying it can’t, but only that
I don’t understand how it can. How does one speculate that this
metamorphosis process arose? Of course, if evolution was directed by God,
it could certainly be possible. But the whole idea is to take God out of
the equation, correct?

In Christ,

Mike

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

  _____

From: asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu [mailto:asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu] On
Behalf Of Dick Fischer
Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2006 1:12 PM
To: 'Janice Matchett'; ASA
Subject: RE: Hebrew University researchers uncover eight previously unknown
species

Hi Janice,

“Blind scorpions” is one proof of evolution. Living for millions of years
in total darkness, eyesight was jettisoned as unnecessary. The creationist
must argue that God specially created blind creatures just to live in caves.

Dick Fischer

Dick Fischer, Genesis Proclaimed Association

Finding Harmony in Bible, Science, and History

 <http://www.genesisproclaimed.org> www.genesisproclaimed.org

-----Original Message-----
From: asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu [mailto:asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu] On
Behalf Of Janice Matchett
Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2006 10:48 AM
To: asa@calvin.edu
Subject: Hebrew University researchers uncover eight previously unknown
species

Item of interest to those who haven't seen it yet, but are interested in the
history of ancient bodies of water in the Middle East ~ Janice

Hebrew University <http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1641160/posts>
researchers uncover eight previously unknown species
EurekAlert! News ^ | May 31, 2006 | Staff
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-05/thuo-hur053106.php

Discovery of eight previously unknown, ancient animal species within "a new
and unique underground ecosystem" in Israel was revealed today by Hebrew
University of Jerusalem researchers.

In a press conference on the Mt. Scopus campus of the Hebrew University, the
researchers said the discovery came about when a small opening was found,
leading to a cave extending to a depth of 100 meters beneath the surface of
a quarry in the vicinity of Ramle, between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The
quarry is operated by cement manufacturer Nesher Industries.

The cave, which has been dubbed the Ayalon Cave, is "unique in the world,"
said Prof. Amos Frumkin of the Hebrew University Department of Geography.
This is due mainly to its isolation from the outside world, since the cave's
surface is situated under a layer of chalk that is impenetrable to water.
The cave, with its branches, extends over some 2½ kilometers, making it
Israel's second largest limestone cave. It is to remain closed to the public
to permit further scientific research.

The invertebrate animals found in the cave – four seawater and freshwater
crustaceans and four terrestial species – are related to but different from
other, similar life forms known to scientists. The species have been sent to
biological experts in both Israel and abroad for further analysis and
dating. It is estimated that these species are millions of years old. Also
found in the cave were bacteria that serve as the basic food source in the
ecosystem.

"The eight species found thus far are only the beginning" of what promises
to be "a fantastic biodiversity," said Dr. Hanan Dimentman of the Hebrew
University Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, another of the
researchers involved in the project. He said that he expects further
exploration to reveal several other unique life forms.

The animals found there were all discovered live, except for a blind species
of scorpion, although Dr. Dimentman is certain that live scorpions will be
discovered in further explorations and also probably an animal or animals
which feed on the scorpions.

The underground cave includes an underground lake, in which the crustaceans
were found. The lake is part of the Yarkon-Taninim aquifer, one of Israel's
two aquifers, yet is different in temperature and chemical composition from
the main waters of the aquifer. The lake's temperature and salinity
indicates that its source is deep underground.

Among the interesting features of the discoveries thus far in the cave is
that two of the crustaceans are seawater species and two others are of a
types found in fresh or brackish water. This can provide insights into
events occurring millions of years ago regarding the history of ancient
bodies of water in the region.
Received on Wed May 31 15:00:10 2006