Chapter 8 In the Beginning

Chapter 8C A Record of Evolution?

III. A Record of Evolution A. Evolutionary Family Trees

Evolutionary Family Tree A diagram showing the supposed progression of biological evolution

A. Evolutionary Trees 1. Evolutionists believe the closer two organisms are on the tree, the more closely they are “related.” a) Better to say the organisms share certain God-given characteristics

A. Evolutionary Trees 2. Branches in the tree are locations of common ancestors

Evolutionary Family Tree Evolutionists believe all living things can be traced back to one common ancestor

A. Evolutionary Trees 3. The common ancestors are usually missing links a) Transitional forms b) If evolution is true, these would need to be found on the evolutionary family trees c) No scientific evidence

Evolutionary Trees 4. Homologous structures a) Evolutionists think that organisms with similar structures must also share a common ancestor

Homologous structures Shared physical features or similar physical structures

Homologous structures Fig 8-18 (p. 172) Similarities in vertebrate limbs DO NOT prove their owners had a common ancestor.

Homologous structures Fig 8-18 (p. 172) Similarities in vertebrate limbs DO SUGGEST that the Designer knew what basic pattern worked best and used it repeatedly.

Evolutionary Trees 4. Homologous structures a) Problems: What is homologous? Embryo development

Vestigial Structure A structure that, according to evolutionists, no longer has an important function and will disappear in future generations

Evolutionary Trees Vestigial structures Scientists may not have discovered the function yet All human organs once considered vestigial have been shown to have important functions

Fossil Record Many fossils exist in rock layers. Many fossils are similar to plants and animals that exist today.

Fossil Record Many fossils are of extinct organisms. Evolutionists claim some fossil organisms are missing links.

Fossil Record Conclusions: Scientists have not found a complete and uninterrupted series of fossil layers that supports evolution.

Fossil Record Conclusions: There are no credible examples of missing links and common ancestors in the fossil record.

Fossil Record Conclusions: Much evidence supports the idea that the layers of fossils were laid down quickly. Therefore, most of the fossilized organisms lived during the same period of time.

Speciation Speciation is the forming of new species. Evolutionists claim it has occurred Adaptations occur, but these do not produce a new type of organism

Speciation Species is a man-made concept. Different from a biblical kind Biblical kinds do not change

The Ultimate Question “How did it all start?” Any understanding of the origin of life requires faith Where is that faith placed?