ePEN: Supplementary Lesson 4: The Bible, Evolution, and the Age of the Earth: 4. Problems of Evolution

Supplementary Lesson 4: The Bible, Evolution, and the Age of the Earth

Problems with the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection

Evolutionists have some serious scientific problems to deal with:

1) Layers of sediment containing fossils do not clearly show a consistent pattern of more simple species below, then progressing to more complex species above, as would be expected if the theory of evolution were true. In many cases, the lower layers contain more complex species.

2) If the theory of evolution were true, we would expect to find many samples of transitional species, but we don't. Evidence points more to "jumps" between one species and another, rather than a process of gradual changes. If fact, some evolutionists now speak in terms of "punctuated equilibrium" instead of a gradual process.

3) The theory of "natural selection" proposes that complex species developed gradually from less complex species over a long period of time, and that the more complex species survived the others, since they were more "fit." However, most organisms are "irreducibly complex." That is, they do not function unless they are completely developed. For example, the eyeball will not function unless all the parts are present, in coordination, and working properly. This creates doubt that the partially developed forms would have been more fit for survival than the simpler preceding forms.

QUESTION:

Mark each of the problems with the theory of evolution and natural selection mentioned above.

All layers of fossils proceed from more complex species to more simple species.

There is a lack of evidence of transitional forms between species.

It is impossible for more complex forms to develop from more simple forms, since all organisms are already "irreducibly complex."

Partially developed transitional forms would not have been more fit for survival then the more simple forms.