On "Reverse" Evolution

[lhynard]

I wish that those trying to convince others about the reality of macroevolution would use examples like this one, instead of relying on elitism and such

Comments

From Scott Olson

[anonymous]

Got any video or confirmed data of a living specimen resulting from this particular gene manipulation?

Re: From Scott Olson

[lhynard]

No, I don't think the researchers let any of the eggs survive. I think they were more interested in the genetic experiments than in creating freak, mutant chickens. But it may also be that these changes currently kill off the embryos at a later stage in development.

[triphicus]

I like your particular tack on this issue, in that it calls attention to the fact that evidence for macroevolution does not necessarily undermine the reality of an intelligent designer. Neither, for that matter, does evolution as a whole. One of these days I hope for the opportunity to write a paper examining the question of God's use of evolution in creating a self-sustaining universe, using theological models of anthropology and God in relation to humankind to illustrate the overwhelming rationality of the act. Why, after all, would God create species unequipped with the ability to change in relationship with their environment and other species in a creation which is always changing? We would have seen a whole hell of a lot more species go extinct (humans included!) were that not the case. Really, I think the logic of the whole thing is quite beautiful in its simplicity.

[lhynard]

very good points

I also have been fascinated by the idea that it would have been stupid for a god to have created a universe in which life could not adapt. The more we humans learn how evolution works, the more wonder it fills me with -- not with wonder at randomness but at care.