Debunking Evolution: Chapter 2 Revealed - The Power of Variation and Natural Selection in God's Design

Refuting Evolution: Variation and Natural Selection Versus Evolution

In this article, we will explore the key differences between the evolution and creation models, specifically focusing on the concepts of variation, natural selection, and how they relate to the origin of new species. It is important to note that creationists do not dispute that organisms change over time; the disagreement lies in the type of change and the source of new genetic information.

Evolution

Evolution, as understood in the context of this discussion, refers to the idea that all life on Earth originated from a self-reproducing organism that emerged from non-living chemicals. This process is believed to have occurred through natural, ongoing processes over millions of years. According to this view, genetic information is generated through mutations, which are then sorted by natural selection.

Creation

Creationists, on the other hand, believe that different kinds of organisms were created by God, each with a vast amount of information. These original created kinds possessed enough genetic variability to adapt to various environments and give rise to a wide range of species.

Genetic Information and Heterozygosity

All sexually reproducing organisms inherit their genetic information in paired form. Each offspring receives half its genetic information from its mother and half from its father. This means that there are usually two genes at a given position (locus) coding for a particular characteristic. Organisms can be heterozygous at a locus if they carry different forms (alleles) of a gene.

For example, humans have 20,687 protein-coding genes inherited from both parents. Additionally, 97% of the remaining DNA has an essential role in coding for RNA and controlling gene expression. Overall, this amounts to an incredible amount of information equivalent to a thousand 500-page books.

Francisco Ayala, an evolutionary biologist, has noted that humans today have an average heterozygosity of 6.7 percent. This means that for every thousand gene pairs coding for any trait, 67 of the pairs have different alleles. If we consider only the protein-coding genes, this would mean a total of 1,340 heterozygous loci overall. Thus, any single human could potentially produce an enormous number of different sperm or egg cells—2¹³⁴⁰ or 2.4 × 10⁴⁰³. Comparatively, the number of atoms in the known universe is significantly smaller at "only" 10⁸⁰.

Creationists argue that the original created kinds would have had much more genetic variability than their modern descendants. This high level of heterozygosity allows for the emergence of many different varieties within a kind. While Ayala believes that genetic information ultimately arose from mutations, creationists assert that this belief is contrary to information theory.

Deterioration from Perfection

A crucial aspect of the creationist model often overlooked is the concept of deterioration. According to the Bible, the world was created perfect, but with the Fall of man came death and deterioration. Creationists believe that mutations, as a result of copying errors, have led to the destruction of some original genetic information.

Many evolutionists use allegedly imperfect structures as evidence for evolution; however, creationists argue that these imperfections can also be interpreted as a deterioration from once-perfect structures. For example, blind creatures in caves have eyes that are often considered imperfect. However, this does not explain how sight could have arisen in the first place.

Additionally, adaptation and natural selection can lead to a loss of genetic information. As environments change, organisms adapt to new conditions by weeding out certain genetic information. This process is observed in nature and is not exclusive to evolution. Creationist Edward Blyth proposed this concept before Charles Darwin published his work on natural selection.

The Flood and Speciation

The biblical flood is an essential aspect of the creationist model. According to Genesis, a male and a female of every land vertebrate kind were saved on Noah's ark. After the flood, these kinds multiplied and spread out across the Earth, resulting in the formation of new species through processes like genetic drift and founder effects.

Genetic drift occurs when a small, isolated population loses established genes due to random sampling. In extreme cases, such as when a single pregnant animal or a pair is isolated on a desert island, they may lack certain genes from the original population. When their descendants fill the island, this new population would be genetically different from the original, with less information.

Over time, different small populations can lose so much different information that they no longer interbreed, leading to the formation of new "species." Creationists argue that this process of speciation does not require the addition of complex new genetic information but rather involves the loss of existing information.

Antibiotic Resistance and Adaptation

Teaching about Evolution often presents antibiotic and pesticide resistance as evidence for evolution. However, creationists contend that these examples do not support the emergence of new kinds with new genetic information.

In the case of antibiotic resistance, it is important to note that many bacteria already possessed the genes for resistance before antibiotics were even developed. Some bacteria obtained from sources frozen before the advent of antibiotics have shown to be antibiotic-resistant. When antibiotics are applied to a bacterial population, those lacking resistance are eliminated along with their genetic information. The survivors carry less information but are all resistant. The same principle applies to rats and insects developing resistance to pesticides. The resistance was already present in the populations, and creatures without resistance are eliminated.

While mutations can lead to antibiotic resistance in some cases, it is crucial to recognize that these mutations destroy genetic information rather than create it. For example, in the case of penicillin resistance, a mutation disabling the gene controlling the production of penicillinase leads to a higher production of the enzyme. While this enables the bacterium to resist the antibiotic, it wastes resources and is less fit under normal conditions.

Lacewing Species and Darwin's Finches

Teaching about Evolution presents examples of lacewing species and Darwin's finches as evidence for evolution. However, creationists argue that these examples can be interpreted within a creationist framework.

The variation in color and mating behavior observed in lacewing species can be explained by an initial created kind possessing genes for a wide variety of colors and behaviors. Over time, as these lacewings adapted to different habitats, they lost certain genetic information, resulting in specialization and the emergence of distinct varieties. This process does not require the addition of complex new genetic information.

Similarly, Darwin's finches on the Galápagos Islands provide evidence for rapid speciation within a short timeframe. Creationists argue that this supports the biblical creation model, as it demonstrates that new species can arise relatively quickly. Furthermore, the ability of organisms to adapt to changing environments through natural selection is not exclusive to evolution but is observed within a creationist framework.

Breeding versus Evolution

Teaching about Evolution often compares artificial breeding of animals like pigeons and dogs with evolution. Creationists emphasize that breeding does not involve the creation of new genetic information but rather selection from existing information. Different breeds are created by selecting for specific traits, resulting in the loss of genetic diversity and the manifestation of inherited defects. Purebred dogs are often less fit in the wild compared to mixed-breed dogs.

While breeds may be classified as different species based on their inability to interbreed in the wild, they are still interfertile and considered part of the same kind. Creationists argue that these variations within a kind demonstrate God's programming of variability into the original dog/wolf kind.

Darwin and Faulty Creation Model

Teaching about Evolution misrepresents the creationist model by suggesting that each species was independently created in its present location. Creationists argue that this ignores the global flood described in Genesis, which would have wiped out all land vertebrates outside of Noah's ark and re-arranged the Earth's surface.

Furthermore, Darwin's observations on the geographical distribution of species can be easily explained within a creation-flood model. The flood would have resulted in the migration of animals to different areas, explaining the similarities between animals on islands and their mainland counterparts.

Darwin's experiments on snails' ability to float on saltwater and seeds' ability to sprout after immersion also support the creation-flood-dispersion model. These experiments addressed skeptics' concerns regarding how animals and plants could have reached faraway places. Creationists argue that these experiments could have been conducted within their framework, despite what Teaching about Evolution implies.

Why This Matters

Understanding the differences between evolution and creation models is crucial for engaging with discussions about the origin of life and species diversity. It allows individuals to critically evaluate scientific evidence while considering different interpretations of biblical teachings.

Think About It

Consider the implications of the information presented in this article for your understanding of evolution and creation. Reflect on how these concepts align with your beliefs and how they may impact your perspective on scientific evidence and biblical interpretation. Additionally, consider how these discussions can contribute to a deeper understanding of God's creation and our place within it.