Discover 5 Divine Revelations in the Breathtaking New Frog Surprise

Breathtaking New Frog Surprise

Photo by David Bickford. The discovery that this rare frog, living in Borneo, has no lungs, is being used to promote evolution. But as the article shows, this is off the mark.

It's truly remarkable what we can learn from the natural world around us. Recently, a fascinating discovery has been made about a unique species of frog found in the jungles of Borneo. This amphibian, known as Barbourula kalimantanensis, is quite extraordinary because it lacks lungs entirely. Instead, it obtains all the oxygen it needs through its skin. Although this frog was first identified about 30 years ago, it remains extremely rare with only two specimens found to date, neither of which were dissected.

Some media outlets have described this frog as "primitive," implying that it represents an intermediate form closer to an ancestor that had not yet evolved lungs. However, this interpretation is incorrect. In fact, even most informed evolutionists would agree that this lungless frog is likely descended from a frog that once possessed lungs.

Let's explore how this unique species could have emerged through a series of logical connections:

Frogs with Lungs and Oxygen Absorption through the Skin

Frogs with lungs already obtain a significant amount of their oxygen through their skin, absorbing it directly from the water. This ability allows them to extract oxygen efficiently while living in aquatic environments.

Oxygen-Rich Habitat and Fast-Flowing Streams

The streams where B. kalimantanensis resides are not only close to the equator but also characterized by their fast-flowing and extremely cold waters. These conditions result in high levels of dissolved oxygen.

A Similar Species in the Philippines

Interestingly, there is another species of frog in the Philippines that possesses lungs. It is highly plausible that both B. kalimantanensis and its lunged counterpart are descendants of the same created kind.

The Advantage of Being Lungless in Oxygen-Rich Waters

Suppose a frog with lungs experienced a mutation that caused the lungs to disappear or significantly reduce in size (a non-evolutionary loss of information). In that case, its descendants could still survive in the oxygen-rich waters by relying on skin-breathing. However, they would have an additional advantage over their lung-equipped counterparts. In fast-moving streams like the ones inhabited by B. kalimantanensis, frogs with lungs are more likely to be carried away from the breeding population due to their buoyancy. Conversely, the absence of lungs allows the body to flatten more easily, increasing the available surface area for efficient skin-breathing.

This process, known as natural selection, would quickly ensure that the entire population became lungless. This type of change would only require a few generations, especially in small isolated populations. Contrary to what evolution suggests, these fascinating features in the natural world make far more sense within the framework of Genesis history. According to this perspective, vast amounts of information were created within separate biological populations at the beginning, and since then, biological changes have predominantly been downhill, opposing the grand-scale claims of evolution.

Why This Matters

Understanding the amazing diversity and complexity of creatures like B. kalimantanensis helps us appreciate the incredible design found in nature. It demonstrates that even seemingly strange features have a purpose and can be explained within a creationist worldview. By examining these examples, we can gain insight into how organisms adapt to their environments and survive under specific conditions.

Think About It

Consider the incredible diversity we observe in frogs alone. From those with lungs to those without, each species showcases unique characteristics that enable them to thrive in different environments. Reflect on how this diversity reflects God's wisdom and creativity as the ultimate designer. Additionally, ponder how these findings challenge popular evolutionary narratives and reveal alternative explanations that align with a biblical understanding of the world.