Evolution

[The Duke]

I believe in natural selection, but not in biological evolution.  To get biological evolution requires not only the shedding of useless traits and the promotion of superior ones, but also the creation of new genetic traits through mutation.  Since no adequate mechanism for these mutations has yet been presented to me, I reject that evolution has been proven.

Creationism, at least in the Genesis sense, is less valid than evolution, however, and should not be taught in schools seeing as it has no relation to science as I understand that term to be.

[The Duke]

I believe in natural selection, but not in biological evolution.  To get biological evolution requires not only the shedding of useless traits and the promotion of superior ones, but also the creation of new genetic traits through mutation.  Since no adequate mechanism for these mutations has yet been presented to me, I reject that evolution has been proven.

Mutation is pretty much random as far as we know. Sometimes it is caused by environmental factors, or something else, but for the most part there is no one way it happens. Some mutations are good, some are bad, but the vast majority do nothing useful or detrimental - for instance eye color may change a shade. Of course, the bad ones are likely killed off through natural selection, and the good ones prosper and propagate by the same rule. And of course there has to be many mutations before a full new species can come about. Most heritable mutations would occur in the womb, when the mutation is likely to spread throughout the entire body. Like I said, pretty much random chance. I don't think any solid mechanism would be necessary.

This is the only argument I've ever heard for the mutations, and I find it as unconvincing today as I ever did.

[The Duke]

9 people said no. I'm surprised there are still people who do not understand evolution.

I understand it just fine, I just find it unconvincing.

Random mutations are an insufficient explanation for biological diversity and the survivability of life forms under adverse circumstances.