Creationists -- Time for a Pop Quiz! (see below)?

Question

1.) What does the Theory of Evolution actually say?

2.) What do biologists say are the two principles at work that collectively cause the phenomenon known as evolution?

It's probably pointless to say this; but please, evolutionists -- don't blurt out the answers! Let them show us they really DO understand what evolution is about (or immortalize their ignorance here online) on their own....

Wow -- only one person actually attempted to answer this one?!?

C'mon, kids -- it's an open-book test!

Answer 1

I'm not sure what a creationist is...I believe in a higher power...does that count?

1) Populations of species evolve to adapt to their environment better.

2) Natural selection and genetic mutations? Sorry I'm not sure on the second one. I'm only in high school biology.

Answer 2

Hi Rev. Sun

What a witty post...

1.) What does the Theory of Evolution actually say?

As the economist said to the politician, "What do you want it to say?"

2.) What do biologists say are the two principles at work that collectively cause the phenomenon known as evolution?

"dumb" and "luck". Otherwise know as chance and necessity, or random mutation and natural selection. In other words, things beyond my control or understanding happen and they either kill me or they don't.

The trouble with these witty questions is that they are usually posted by people who have a rather shallow understanding of evolution themselves. Go take a look at a "simple" cell and then explain how such a highly integrated, information rich, mechanism could possible arise through stepwise chemical reactions. The only compelling "evidence" for evolution is philosophical naturalism - the belief that nature is all that exists - and that is neither "evidence" nor "science" it is philosophy.

Dave

Answer 3

Darwin's ideas on evolution were that natural selection, through gradual steps, led to greater and greater diversity among the creatures on earth. A specific member of a species demonstrates trait X. If trait X turns out to be favorable - it helps the creature survive, reproduce, attract a mate, find food, etc. - then that creature reproduces and passes the trait on. If the trait is unfavorable, then there is a lower liklihood that the creature will reproduce and pass on the trait. Through a slow sifting of genetic traits in this way, species adapt and diversify.

(As I understand it - through a little fact-checking before my post - Darwin himself wasn't sure how the passing on happened - that came later, as genetics was discovered and studied.)

Evolution is a theory because it cannot be proven - at least not in the strict sense of the word "proof". Math can be proven. Philosophical arguments can be proven (big connection to math there, via Aristotle et al). Much of science (and, admittedly, religion) cannot be proven in that strict sense. An idea becomes a theory when it has survived rigorous testing - when it becomes very likely, given the current state of our knowledge and technology.

I'm not sure which two specific principles you're referring to; I would hazard a guess that you mean adaptation and natural selection. I understand there are other terms in play - speciation, mutation, etc., but I'm not familiar enough with them to use them here. That's what I can give you based on my memory of biology 101, a quick Internet search, and the time I have. :)

And, since this seems to be the point of the exercise, I should declare that I believe the world (light, earth, plants, animal, you and I, etc.) was created by God. If you'll allow me a somewhat smarmy twist, I would note that nowhere in there did I explain *how* God created, just that He did.

Answer 4

1) I'm assuming evolution can be defined as '...a change in the inherited traits of a population from one generation to the next.' This then says that the study of evolution incorporates all of the plant and animal species that are currently alive, all of the species which have become extinct, and can predict what species may develop in the future.

2) I'd guess biology needs some kind of life, and genetic variation of that life.

I claim ignorance, and have no problem being 'immortalized' as ignorant. I am ignorant by choice and happenstance.

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Merry Christmas!

Answer 5

Evolution is changes in populations in living organsisms over time.
There are actually several factors at work that can cause evolution in a species, one is mutation in the DNA, Natural selection which helps to make species more likely to survive, Genetic drift, and gene flow.
Is this what you are looking for?
And you can't say that I am ignorant, as this is what is being taught in college classes, and that is where I recieved my info from.

Answer 6

Yes, I'm a creationist. Yes, I participated in public education for 13+ years (k-12, state college). Yes, I understand how evolution works. Yes, I agree that it is an influence on life as we know it now.

Please put your head between your knees quickly before you pass out from the shock of a creationist acknowledging the influence of evolution.... (I didn't say that evolution was *responsible* for life on this planet, I simply said that it *influences* that life.)



1) I've always understood the theory of evolution to mean that through mutation, natural selection and multiple generations, species change- color, shape, size, feeding and mating techniques, various other behaviors, etc.

2) Like I said- mutation and natural selection. Random mutations create a change in one individual. If it's a beneficial change, then the individual survives to pass that change on to offspring. If it's a detrimental change, then (ideally) the individual dies without passing it on to offspring.

Answer 7

1. The Theory of Evolution states that all life on Earth came from a common ancestor, that the first living things on this planet evolved into what is there now.
2. Natural selection-adapting to the enviroment
Genetic drift- a species changed through the generations until some of those animals became so different that they were classified as a different species altogether.

Most of us aren't as ignorant as you think, and I think that statement is just disgustingly rude. How can you get people to understand your point if you don't respect them?

Answer 8

I think the evidence points towards Evolution and Creationism being 2 sides of the same coin. Both are mechanisms for the creation and evolution of species, in other words. Each works hand in hand with the other.

I believe in the Big Bang, which to me is the first instance of Creation (Creationism) which created the Universe and everything in it - as outlined *partially* in Genesis - and from that beginning everything evolves as the Evolutionists outline it.

People who pick one or the other, I think have lost one whole side of how things work.

It's good to know that I've either immortalized my ignorance or my intelligence, one or the other.

I'll be waiting out in the hallway for my grade.

P.S. I omitted describing the two principles and the T of E because of redundancy - obviously I couldn't have my theory without knowing what they are.

Answer 9

Dang, Rev, you are demanding!

I will not claim to be so wise as to know the mind of God/dess...who works in mysterious ways.

Answer 10

This is like asking GW the difference between Nucular and Nuclear. It's like asking a brick wall a question.