I'd like to know people's thoughts on the Galapogos Islands and the Darwinian Theory?

Answer 1

Anyone with any knowledge of evolution recognizes that most mutations are harmful. The finches of the Galapogos had to weed through the harmful mutations and those that provided advantages were inherited by survivors. Take for example a finch that moved into a niche that needed a broader bill to handle eating seeds. Only those mutations leading to broad bills were passed on. In reality, the evolution involves many features at once, especially in an animal such as the Galapogos Finches since they recently moved into another niche and were actively changing thier physiology. It is one of many bits of evidence proving evolution.

Answer 2

Just random thoughts? Well, the finches weren't really as important to Darwin developing the theory of evolution as everyone usually thinks. But of course his perception on the origin of new species and adaptation to the environment as closely related processes began here.

Answer 3

In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth. Although I believe in population shifts and microevolution. I have yet to see anything scientific that conclusively shows that macroevolution has taken place. It seems to me that most DNA mutations are detrimental to the individual. It seems insurmountable for two individuals of the same species to have DNA mutations that are beneficial, reproducible, and eventually turn into a different animal. I have yet to see anyone disprove the presence of a powerful God. My B.A. is in Biology with a Chemistry minor. I also have a D.V.M.

Answer 4

I'd like to see a bird breeder take every last one of those finch "species" and interbreed them to prove that viable, fertile offspring exist, thus proving that they are indeed not separate 'species' of finch, but simply varieties of a single species, possibly a whole genus -- kind of like breeds of dogs or cats.

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