stics - environment causes changes.
6.2.5. Charles Darwin - natural selection (survival of
the fittest).
6.2.6. Hugo DeVries (1900) - called attention to Mendel's
work and added mutations.
6.2.7. Neo-Darwinism - natural selection is the key
element, and mutation is the natural random
process that produces a gradual change from one
species to another. This is one of the most widely
accepted views today.
6.2.8. Punctuated equilibrium ("Hopeful Monster") -
long periods of equilibrium of a species are
interrupted by sudden and major changes in
the species. From a small beginning 40 years
ago, this view has gained major acceptance.
Although no possible mechanism is offered, this
view does fit the fossil record better.
6.3. There are some common factors in all evolutionary
arguments.
6.3.1. They offer an alternative to God's creative acts;
God and evolution are mutually exclusive. It is
not uncommon for someone to hold an idea because
special creation is the only other option.
6.3.2. All require spontaneous generation, the idea
that life sprang from non-life through random
"natural process".
6.3.2.1. Spontaneous generation has been completely
discredited.
6.3.2.2. The idea of a self changing/self
duplicating molecule arising from random
molecules acted upon by random forces is
not established in any portion.
Assumptions about the state of the pre-life
earth's physical conditions are based
entirely on what spontaneous generation
would demand, and then the ideas still
don't work. Miller and Fox did not
duplicate any possible natural condition
and what they developed was nowhere near
life from non-life. With clones, DNA,
genetic engineering or viruses, only life
reproduces life.
6.3.2.3. The Pan-spermia idea (life from outer
space) only postpones the ultimate origin
question.
6.3.3. All call upon "natural pro