lew@ihuxr.UUCP (Lew Mammel, Jr.) (09/25/84)
Rich Hammond suggested that similar functions being performed by similar molecules in distinct but similar animal/plant groups can be taken as the outcome of a reasonble Creator's actions, as well as evidence of a common origin. This is ok as far as it goes, but there is a lot more to it. This broaches the subject of homologous versus analagous organs, which Gould discusses in "The Panda's Thumb". Said thumb is actually a development of the wrist bone. It makes sense in an evolutionary theory since it developed after the five digits were already in an advanced paw configuration. The opportunity for an opposing thumb had passed, and this wrist bone development occurred instead. Evolution provides a framework within which thousands of such anomalies can be understood as part of a natural pattern. I don't think that speculations on why the Creator made this sixth appendage out of the homologue of the wrist bone, rather than just giving the the panda a tried and true hand, can be counted as theory in the same way. Lew Mammel, Jr. ihnp4!ihuxr!lew
ethan@utastro.UUCP (Ethan Vishniac) (10/03/84)
[Meaningless verbiage] >>Why didn't the creator use the SAME molecules for the same functions in >>different criters (kinds or species). ... >That's sounds very arrogant... >Don't be so hasty to think that current scientific knowledge has the ultimate >say on anything. And if God is the author, how much more so. This has been said before on this newsgroup, and needs to be said again. Science can only accept hypotheses based on observations. An omnipotent being, with indecipherable motives, can do anything for any reason. One can never conclude that creation by an omnipotent being at any time *including yesterday* (or last hour) is impossible. One can only conclude that the evidence points toward an old Earth with evolving life. If God can do anything he can certainly fake the evidence. "I can't help it if my Ethan Vishniac knee jerks" {charm,ut-sally,ut-ngp,noao}!utastro!ethan Department of Astronomy University of Texas Austin, Texas 78712