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Author Topic:   Basic Fundamentals of THE Debate (now open to anyone)
RAZD
Member (Idle past 1404 days)
Posts: 20714
From: the other end of the sidewalk
Joined: 03-14-2004


Message 57 of 121 (387086)
02-26-2007 12:33 AM
Reply to: Message 56 by MurkyWaters
02-25-2007 11:25 PM


Re: Dealing with the issues - still not done
This is simply the biggest pile of bull that I have ever read.
Funny that you can't refute it then.
"It is a matter of explaining the evidence -- ALL the evidence." - Are you kidding? Are you telling me that science has an answer for everything?
Please. Theory explains all the known evidence or the theory is not complete. That does NOT equate to the "answer for everything".
So if some evidence arises that seems to invalidate a theory, then the theory is automatically invalidated? Scientists should just give up on that theory and go on to something else? Let’s not investigate or attempt to figure out if it really does or not.
Scientists deal with this kind of issue every day. Yes the theory - as stated - is invalidated until the new information is explained. This still means that ALL the information is explained by the theory or it is not complete. Sometimes the information can be explained in a manner consistent with the theory. Often it isn't and the theory is discarded.
When it can't be explained the theory is invalidated. That IS how science works.
When it can be explained in a manner consistent with the theory it is done by DEALING WITH THE EVIDENCE AND EXPLAINING IT not by ignoring it.
The earth is Young. That is what the evidence shows. Deal with it.
There was a worldwide flood. That is what the evidence shows. Deal with it.
You still have not dealt with the evidence that shows otherwise. Making this statement is not refutation, nor is it dealing with the issue. Rather it is blatant declaration of denial and a demonstration of your willingness to live in delusion rather than deal with the facts.
I've presented evidence. You've presented opinion and denial. Neither of those refute the evidence presented.
Enjoy.

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This message is a reply to:
 Message 56 by MurkyWaters, posted 02-25-2007 11:25 PM MurkyWaters has not replied

RAZD
Member (Idle past 1404 days)
Posts: 20714
From: the other end of the sidewalk
Joined: 03-14-2004


Message 58 of 121 (387185)
02-26-2007 7:59 PM
Reply to: Message 54 by MurkyWaters
02-25-2007 9:46 PM


Edited by RAZD, : duplicate post deleted

This message is a reply to:
 Message 54 by MurkyWaters, posted 02-25-2007 9:46 PM MurkyWaters has not replied

RAZD
Member (Idle past 1404 days)
Posts: 20714
From: the other end of the sidewalk
Joined: 03-14-2004


Message 59 of 121 (387187)
02-26-2007 8:04 PM
Reply to: Message 54 by MurkyWaters
02-25-2007 9:46 PM


Re: Evolution 101 Link -- remedial class ...

GREAT DEBATE - RAZD and MurkyWaters only

You may recall that I introduced the Berkley definition and you had problems with it, so I’m familiar with what it says.
Really. Let's see ... (pages up thread to where RAZD Message 9 quotes then answers Murk Message 8 ...):
The Berkeley series for “understanding evolution for teachers” An introduction to evolution - Understanding Evolution states that “the central idea of biological evolution is that all life on Earth shares a common ancestor . Through the process of descent with modification, the common ancestor of life on Earth gave rise to the fantastic diversity that we see documented in the fossil record and around us today. Evolution means that we're all distant cousins: humans and oak trees, hummingbirds and whales.”

BZZZZZZTTTT!!! ... Error ... Error ...

From the site you linked it clearly says:
quote:
The Definition:
Biological evolution, simply put, is descent with modification. This definition encompasses small-scale evolution (changes in gene frequency in a population from one generation to the next) and large-scale evolution (the descent of different species from a common ancestor over many generations). Evolution helps us to understand the history of life.

And this very clearly says that the definition is still the change in species over time. Again it is looking at the broad base of evidence of change in species over time -- long periods of time, but the essential mechanism involved is still change in species over time. This is sufficient to explain the evidence.
What you quoted from is under Explanation and is getting into the theory of common descent, which is based on evolution (change in species over time), but notice the arrow at the side of each graphic and the words "Change through time" ... so we are still dealing with the definition of evolution as being the change in species over time.
What I had "trouble" with was the fact that you misrepresented what Berkely said the definition was -- and did not even QUOTE the definition part that CLEARLY says evolution is the change in species over time.
Stop misrepresenting the facts Murk.
I’ve refuted the rest in my latest post Re: Review. Again. (Message 53).
Refuting means posting evidence, not reiterating your opinion. This is the heart of your response:
Message 53
The “degree” or amount of change is irrelevant. It is the KIND of change that is in question. The kind of change that we observe in Galapagos finches (and moths and whatever we observe today), is not the KIND of change that can change molecules into man.
What you seem to fail to understand is that you ARE talking about the degree of change, whether you drag your feet kicking and screaming or not. You are talking about the differences in DNA between species, differences that are still due to mutation and selection (ie -change in species over time \ change in the frequency of alleles in a population \ descent with modification \ etc) and thus all you have is the degree of change in DNA.
However, I’ll re-iterate that changes in species that we observe today (frequency of alleles) will not add up to macro evolution no matter how many steps since it is not in the direction that evolution demands.
Evolution is NOT directed, there is no such thing a a "direction that evolution demands" -- this is a creatortionist misrepresentation of evolution and does NOT deal with the SCIENCE. From Berkeley 101:
quote:
Misconceptions about natural selection - Understanding Evolution
Because natural selection can produce amazing adaptations, it's tempting to think of it as an all-powerful force, urging organisms on, constantly pushing them in the direction of progress ” but this is not what natural selection is like at all.
First, natural selection is not all-powerful; it does not produce perfection. If your genes are "good enough," you'll get some offspring into the next generation ” you don't have to be perfect. This should be pretty clear just by looking at the populations around us: people may have genes for genetic diseases, plants may not have the genes to survive a drought, a predator may not be quite fast enough to catch her prey every time she is hungry. No population or organism is perfectly adapted.
Second, it's more accurate to think of natural selection as a process rather than as a guiding hand. Natural selection is the simple result of variation, differential reproduction, and heredity ” it is mindless and mechanistic. It has no goals; it's not striving to produce "progress" or a balanced ecosystem.
Thus the site that you think I have problems with contradicts your mischaracterization of evolution and shows that you are NOT "familiar with what it says" ... here's another couple of tidbits:
quote:
Mechanisms: the processes of evolution - Understanding Evolution
Evolution is the process by which modern organisms have descended from ancient ancestors. Evolution is responsible for both the remarkable similarities we see across all life and the amazing diversity of that life ” but exactly how does it work?
Fundamental to the process is genetic variation upon which selective forces can act in order for evolution to occur. This section examines the mechanisms of evolution focusing on:
Descent with modification - Understanding Evolution
We've defined evolution as descent with modification from a common ancestor, but exactly what has been modified? Evolution only occurs when there is a change in gene frequency within a population over time.
Now who does that sound like ...
(1) RAZD: (evolution is the change in species over time)
(2) Murk: (evolution must occur over billions of years and involves some other process)
Pick one. Clue: evolution happens with every generation.
The rest of your "argument" is nothing but your denial of evidence coupled with your incredulity - a classic argument from incredulity and a logical fallacy.
Enjoy.

GREAT DEBATE - RAZD and MurkyWaters only

Edited by RAZD, : deleted superfluous phrase

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This message is a reply to:
 Message 54 by MurkyWaters, posted 02-25-2007 9:46 PM MurkyWaters has not replied

RAZD
Member (Idle past 1404 days)
Posts: 20714
From: the other end of the sidewalk
Joined: 03-14-2004


Message 62 of 121 (387224)
02-27-2007 8:14 AM
Reply to: Message 61 by MurkyWaters
02-27-2007 12:09 AM


More Stonewalling

GREAT DEBATE - RAZD and MurkyWaters only

If that were how science is done, evolution would have been discarded long ago since there has been more that “one piece” of invalidating evidence from the very beginning and it is piling up into a mountain.
Yet you fail to present any. Talk talk talk.
Remember the candle parable?
Science is not done by parable. It is done by evidence theory testing and validation\invalidation. You can make up a parable to say anything. Interpretation involves all the evidence or it is at best incomplete. If it doesn't address the evidence that falsifies it then it is invalid. It does NOT depend on opinion.
Regarding the tree rings, I’ve already responded as much as time permits. When we get to the evidence I can respond in more detail.
You can post a prolific single post regurgitating your position on definitions but can't post a single iota on tree rings. Talk talk talk.
I would prefer that we - 1) finish one debate before we go on to the next
Then stop stonewalling and start dealing with the issues.
Enjoy.

GREAT DEBATE - RAZD and MurkyWaters only


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This message is a reply to:
 Message 61 by MurkyWaters, posted 02-27-2007 12:09 AM MurkyWaters has not replied

RAZD
Member (Idle past 1404 days)
Posts: 20714
From: the other end of the sidewalk
Joined: 03-14-2004


Message 63 of 121 (387325)
02-27-2007 10:04 PM
Reply to: Message 60 by MurkyWaters
02-26-2007 11:26 PM


Re: Microevolution Case #2 - Pelycodus

GREAT DEBATE - RAZD and MurkyWaters only

Micro-evolution is not accepted by creationists as being evolution, so there really isn’t any dividing line. Adaptation occurs, is observed and is a fact. Speciation occurs, is a result of adaptation and is also a fact.
Biological evolution - CreationWiki, the encyclopedia of creation science
quote:
Microevolution (a.k.a. genetic remnant variation) describes the variations that develop within a population, and includes speciation. This process may indeed involve certain mutations, and a change in allele frequency over time. Microevolution typically refers to the small scale change in organisms within the same species, which can lead to a subspecies or variations of the same created kind.
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quote:
Microevolution is the part of evolution that creationists are willing to accept. There are as many different definitions of microevolution as there are creationists. Microevolution usually means evolution at or below thespecies level, but can also mean evolution on the level of kinds, an arbitary level for which creationists are yet to agree upon a definition. Microevolution usually includes the mechanisms of the Theory of Evolution (variation and selection) but may or may not include speciation.
Speciation is evolution whether you like it or not: this is the way it is used in the science by the scientists in the field. You can try to call it something else but the only one you fool is yourself.
Variation within a gene pool is also evolution, even if it has not reached the point of speciation - it is still a change in the frequency of alleles in a population, ie change in species over time. The process is on-going and continuous.
Now you can either join other creationists with accepting microevolution as the process that leads up to and includes speciation OR you can continue to equivocate and stonewall with your own private interpretation of your fantasy world. It makes no difference to reality whether you do or not.
Biology is a science, which is respected and used by both creationists and evolutionists in supporting their contentions. The misapplication of that science to false interpretations of the evidence is where the disagreement lies between evolutionists and creationists.
So stop with the false interpretations Murk. Accept evolution for what it is: descent with modification, change in the frequency of alleles in a population, change in species over time.
This is very strange thing to pin on creationist when evolutionists are the ones that have proposed PE to explain the lack of transitional forms in the fossil record.
There is substantial disagreement whether punk eek is needed. Dawkins disagrees very strongly. There are also plenty of transitionals to show that evolution occurs - without needing punk eek. The foraminifera - Message 25 - are but one example of a plethora of such transitionals, Pelycodus - Message 50 - is another.
Punk eek is just speciation, nothing more. A subspecies becomes genetically isolated from the main population, undergoes speciation, in the process acquires benefial mutations that make it more succesful (surviving and breeding) than the main population when it returns, so it spreads rapidly replacing the old population. It is very easy for a successful species to spread far from it's area of origin. Take starlings, introduced into the USA in New York in the early 1890's and spread to the west coast in 50 years (see Differential Dispersal Of Introduced Species - An Aspect of Punctuated Equilibrium for more). A blink of geological time. Fossil evidence of such a spread would show a "sudden" appearance of this species with no clue that it spread from New York. This is what the theory of punk eek proposes.
Note that in the example I gave above of Pelycodus I also included two different "interpretations" of the fossil record, one for gradualistic change over time and one for punctuated equilibrium change. Both agree that it is evolution - change in species over time - and that the result is speciation.
"Punk Eek" interpretation
"Gradual" interpretation
The only disagreement is whether the speciation split from a common ancestor population occurred over ~500,000 years or ~900,000 years. It's a matter of degree, not a different kind of change.
... and then some sudden significant change occurs which transforms one kind of creature into the next.
Punk eek makes no such claim about "significant" OR that anything magically "transforms" - this is your misunderstanding of punk eek as well as evolution in general and not at all what the theory says. Certainly there is no significant change or transformation in the Pelycodus lineage - unless you consider speciation a significant transformation.
You need to stop misinterpreting what the science says, Murk.
So, let’s load the next one up and head out to the planet Jupiter.
This of course, is no model of a biological system, and bears no real relation to evolution except in your fantasy world. One where parables about candles are science.
Evolution is not concerned with getting in the front seat of a car to drive to jupiter, it is much more interested in getting into the back seat and having sex. If some great-great-great grandchild ends up having sex in the back seat of a car on jupiter it will be due to the evolution of the species, not the car.
However, it’s rather obvious that we DO need a different kind of change.
Only in your fantasy world Murk.
Pick any three species of your choice: what is the difference in DNA between two of those three species and how is it different than the difference between the other two sets of two species? What is it other than a matter of degree of difference in the arrangements of DNA? What is it that cannot be achieved by substitution of DNA sequences from one species into another? What is it that cannot be achieved equally by a species mutating to achieve those same sequences? What "different kind of change" is needed?
I am getting a little tired of repeating this ...
Good. Now start addressing evolution instead of your false strawman fantasy that is NOT evolution.
... and I’m not sure why you don’t seem to understand this concept.
Because you are NOT talking about evolution but some straw man fantasy version. One that involves cars flying to Jupiter and where parables are science.
Note this article from talkorigins:
CB902: Microevolution vs. Macroevolution
quote:
Microevolution and macroevolution are different things, but they involve mostly the same processes. Microevolution is defined as the change of allele frequencies (that is, genetic variation due to processes such as selection, mutation, genetic drift, or even migration) within a population. There is no argument that microevolution happens (although some creationists, such as Wallace, deny that mutations happen). Macroevolution is defined as evolutionary change at the species level or higher, that is, the formation of new species, new genera, and so forth. Speciation has also been observed.
Creationists have created another category for which they use the word "macroevolution." They have no technical definition of it, but in practice they use it to mean evolution to an extent great enough that it has not been observed yet. (Some creationists talk about macroevolution being the emergence of new features, but it is not clear what they mean by this. Taking it literally, gradually changing a feature from fish fin to tetrapod limb to bird wing would not be macroevolution, but a mole on your skin which neither of your parents have would be.) I will call this category supermacroevolution to avoid confusing it with real macroevolution.
The dividing line between "micro"evolution and "macro"evolution is speciation. The dividing line between science and your strawman fantasy is "supermacrofragilisticextra"evolution.
Address the reality: change in species over time. Foraminifera, pelycodus, horses, humans, warblers, starlings and all.
Enjoy.
References:
  1. RAZD "Differential Dispersal Of Introduced Species - An Aspect of Punctuated Equilibrium" on EvC Forum http://< !--UB EvC Forum: Differential Dispersal Of Introduced Species - An Aspect of Punctuated Equilibrium -->http://EvC Forum: Differential Dispersal Of Introduced Species - An Aspect of Punctuated Equilibrium -->EvC Forum: Differential Dispersal Of Introduced Species - An Aspect of Punctuated Equilibrium< !--UE-->
  2. Carr, Steven M. ""Punctuational" interpretation of Pelycodus evolution" Memorial University of Newfoundland on-line, 2005, accessed 18 Feb 2007 from Pelycodus: punctuated
  3. Carr, Steven M. ""Gradualistic" interpretation of Pelycodus evolution" Memorial University of Newfoundland on-line, 2005, accessed 18 Feb 2007 from Pelycodus: gradulastic.

GREAT DEBATE - RAZD and MurkyWaters only


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This message is a reply to:
 Message 60 by MurkyWaters, posted 02-26-2007 11:26 PM MurkyWaters has not replied

RAZD
Member (Idle past 1404 days)
Posts: 20714
From: the other end of the sidewalk
Joined: 03-14-2004


Message 65 of 121 (387346)
02-28-2007 8:24 AM
Reply to: Message 64 by MurkyWaters
02-27-2007 11:02 PM


Re: Irreducible Complexity and Evolution and Invalidation

GREAT DEBATE - RAZD and MurkyWaters only

One need only look at the many dating fiascoes that have occurred. The most modern human remains have been found in the oldest rock and the most primitive “hominids” have been found in the most recent beds. This evidence invalidates evolution.
Document this.
Making such wild assertions without providing the backup information is just wasting bandwidth.
Here is your chance to actually substantiate a claim of yours with evidence instead of hot air.
Darwin himself said that the fossil record invalidated his theory.
Document this.
Quote mine taken out of context - typical creatortionista type of attack that has nothing to do with reality (or any effect on science). This is twice you've used this falshood recently.
Please quote from the original source with page reference. Back up your assertion with evidence instead of hot air.
The coelacanth was once considered an index fossil of 70my old until it was discovered alive. What happened to all those samples that were dated at 70my? They could be any age at all since the fossil was still alive today.
They still date to 70my. The Coelacanths today are different species than the many species of Coelacanths that lived 70 my ago. Those species are still index fossils. You do realize that Coelacanth is an ORDER not just a SPECIES don't you?
Coelacanth - Wikipedia
quote:
Coelacanth ('hollow spine' in Greek, coelia () meaning hollow and acanthos () spine) IPA: [sil‘kæn] is the common name for an order of fish that includes the oldest living lineage of jawed fish known to date.
Although now represented by only two living species, as a group the coelacanths were once very successful with many genera and species that left an abundant fossil record from the Devonian to the end of the Cretaceous period, at which point they apparently suffered a nearly complete extinction, and past which point no fossils are known. It is often claimed that the coelacanth has remained unchanged for millions of years but in fact the living species and even genus are unknown from the fossil record.
If you want to discuss dating accuracy and methods start with the tree ring data that shows a continuous age of over 12,000 years without any flood.
No! You so easily twist things around. A SINGLE example of an irreducibly complex system invalidates evolution because NO systems have been proven to have evolved. If it is irreducible to small steps then it CANNOT have evolved and MUST have been designed.
Shouting denial is not a refutation. The evidence is in, and in one series of experiments an IC system was observed to evolve. It was a side effect of the experiment, but it was still what occurred.
It is not a matter of "proof" it is a matter of evidence that shows that an IC system can and DID evolve.
It is a FACT.
You are living in a dream world. Mutations have never been shown to add complexity and almost always result in degradation of something that was previously better.
No matter how much hand waving you engage in Murk, it has evolved. Your denial of the evidence otherwise is just demonstration of your denial of reality.
An IC system evolved. It is a FACT.
Your following refutation of IC is comical. There is more hand waving, outright lies, deception, misunderstanding and liberally biased nonsense then in most of your previous posts
Yet you cannot demonstrate that this is the case, just make more wild assertions without ANY evidence to back you up. Your disbelief does not make an argument other that to document your incredulity.
By the way: you accuse me of lying. This is a serious breach of forum protocols.
Document this.
As is failure to substantiate your argument with evidence when challenged to do so.
Please substantiate your position with something OTHER than more hot air.
Enjoy.

GREAT DEBATE - RAZD and MurkyWaters only

Edited by RAZD, : ypot

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This message is a reply to:
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RAZD
Member (Idle past 1404 days)
Posts: 20714
From: the other end of the sidewalk
Joined: 03-14-2004


Message 66 of 121 (387536)
03-01-2007 12:05 AM
Reply to: Message 53 by MurkyWaters
02-25-2007 8:27 PM


Misrepresenting the facts again.

GREAT DEBATE - RAZD and MurkyWaters only

Message 53
If we take a look at ALL the definitions that both you and I have referenced in this debate (48 of them) we can conclude the following:
71% stated directly or implied that new features, complexity or speciation is required as part of the theory of evolution.
58% stated directly or implied that evolution is responsible for the diversity of life we see today.
54% stated directly or implied that long periods of time are required (usually corresponding to the age of the earth, assumed to be billions of years old by evolutionists).
21% explicitly mention Billions or Millions of years
46% stated directly or implied the existence of a common ancestor
15% described it as a sequence of steps or events which tells me they were defining a process, not a theory.
Only 25% said it was simply "change over time" (genetic or otherwise)
It's not just "change over time" it is "change in species over time" - a subtle but significant difference.
Let's evaluate parts of those claims.
First we'll parse your 71% "statistic" -- we'll only use "stated directly" to avoid interpretations and we'll look at each part separately. We'll also only look in the definition and not in any discussion following the definition.
(A) Development of a "new feature" is directly stated as being a required part of evolution
(B) Added "complexity" is directly stated as being a required part of evolution
(C) Speciation is directly stated as being a required part of evolution
Then we'll compare that to definitions that use
(D) Change in species over time, including change in frequency of alleles and descent with modification and other variations that are of equivalent meaning.
Any that don't fit one of those categories I'll label (E)
  1. Dictionary.com
    Evolution Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
    3.Biology. change in the gene pool of a population from generation to generation by such processes as mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift.
    (D)
  2. Wikipedia.org
    Evolution - Wikipedia
    In biology, evolution is the change in the heritable traits of a population over successive generations, as determined by shifts in the allele frequencies of genes. Over time, this process can result in speciation, the development of new species from existing ones. All contemporary organisms are related to each other through common descent, the products of cumulative evolutionary changes over billions of years. Evolution is the source of the vast biodiversity on Earth, including the many extinct species attested in the fossil record.[1][2]
    (D)
  3. Encarta Encyclopedia
    http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554675/Evolution.html
    Evolution, in biology, complex process by which the characteristics of living organisms change over many generations as traits are passed from one generation to the next. The science of evolution seeks to understand the biological forces that caused ancient organisms to develop into the tremendous and ever-changing variety of life seen on Earth today. It addresses how, over the course of time, various plant and animal species branch off to become entirely new species, and how different species are related through complicated family trees that span millions of years.
    (D)
  4. Lexicon
    http://www.lexicon-biology.com/biology/definition_45.html
    Evolution is the process that has led to the appearance and transformation of living species on earth. The first living beings - undoubtedly very rudimentary cells , algae, or bacteria - appeared 3.8 billion years ago. Since then, life forms have diversified and adapted to their environments. All living species today have, therefore, the same origin.
    (D)
  5. Berkely U
    An introduction to evolution - Understanding Evolution
    (the real definition(1))Biological evolution, simply put, is descent with modification. This definition encompasses small-scale evolution (changes in gene frequency in a population from one generation to the next) and large-scale evolution (the descent of different species from a common ancestor over many generations). Evolution helps us to understand the history of life.
    (D)
  6. (not verified(1))
    The textbook “Modern Biology, Its Conceptual Foundations” by Elof Axel Carlson, defines evolution as “evolution: a theory of complexity in the organization of life from the origins of life to the present with the premise that all life is related by common descent to the first forms of life on earth.”
    (E)
  7. (not verified(1))
    “Barnes and Noble Thesaurus of Biology” defines evolution as “evolution: the process by which more complex forms of life have arisen from simpler forms over millions of years”
    (B)
  8. (not verified(1))
    The “Concise Dictionary of Biology” (Oxford University Press) defines evolution as “The gradual process by which the present diversity of plan and animal life arose from the earliest and most primitive organisms, which is believe to have been continuing for at least the past 3000 million years.”
    (E)
  9. U of Michigan
    Evolution and Natural Selection
    The university of Michigan teaches that Darwin's theory of evolution has four main parts: 1) Organisms have changed over time 2) All organisms are derived from common ancestors 3) Change is gradual and slow, taking place over a long time and 4) The mechanism of evolutionary change was natural selection
    Note - in the Summary of the section it also says:
    The core of Darwin's theory is natural selection, a process that occurs over successive generations and is defined as the differential reproduction of genotypes.
    Natural selection requires heritable variation in a given trait, and differential survival and reproduction associated with possession of that trait.
    (D)
  10. American Heritage Dictionary
    Bartleby.com:
    3. Biology. a. Change in the genetic composition of a population during successive generations, as a result of natural selection acting on the genetic variation among individuals, and resulting in the development of new species. b. The historical development of a related group of organisms; phylogeny.
    (D)
  11. American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary:
    Evolution Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
    2. The theory that groups of organisms change with passage of time, mainly as a result of natural selection, so that descendants differ morphologically and physiologically from their ancestors.
    (D)
  12. Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:
    Evolution Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
    4 b : a theory that the various types of animals and plants have their origin in other preexisting types and that the distinguishable differences are due to modifications in successive generations
    (D)
  13. Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary:
    Evolution Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
    2 b : a theory that the various types of animals and plants have their origin in other preexisting types and that the distinguishable differences are due to modifications in successive generations
    (D)
  14. Wordnet
    Evolution Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
    2. (biology) the sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or taxonomic group of organisms
    (C)
  15. Encarta Dictionary
    http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/Evolution.html
    1. biology theory of development from earlier forms: the theoretical process by which all species develop from earlier forms of life. According to this theory, natural variation in the genetic material of a population favors reproduction by some individuals more than others, so that over the generations all members of the population come to possess the favorable traits.
    2. biology developmental process: the natural or artificially induced process by which new and different organisms develop as a result of changes in genetic material
    (D)
  16. Oxford Dictionary
    Oxford Languages | The Home of Language Data
    1 the process by which different kinds of living organism are believed to have developed, especially by natural selection.
    (E)
  17. Cambridge Dictionary
    Cambridge Dictionary | English Dictionary, Translations & Thesaurus
    the way in which living things change and develop over millions of years, or a gradual process of change and development: Darwin's theory of evolution
    (D)
  18. Wiktionary
    evolution - Wiktionary
    2. (biology) The change in the genetic composition of a species' population over successive generations.
    (D)
  19. Wordsmyth
    Dictionaries and vocabulary tools for English language learners | Wordsmyth
    1. the continuous modification and adaptation of organisms to their environments through selection, hybridization, and the like.
    (D)
  20. infoplease
    evolution: Meaning and Definition of | Infoplease
    3. Biol. change in the gene pool of a population from generation to generation by such processes as mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift.
    (D)
  21. Ultralingua Online Dictionary
    http://www.ultralingua.com/onlinedictionary/
    The sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or taxonomic group of organisms;
    (C)
  22. Cambridge American English Dictionary
    CDO - Error - 404
    (SPECIALIZED) Evolution is the process by which the physical characteristics of types of creatures change over time, new types of creatures develop, and others disappear.
    (D)
  23. OneLook Online Dictionary
    Definitions of Evolution - OneLook Dictionary Search
    A general name for the history of the steps by which any living organism has acquired the morphological and physiological characters which distinguish it; a gradual unfolding of successive phases of growth or development.
    (A)
  24. Websters 1913 Unabridged Dictionary
    http://machaut.uchicago.edu/?resource=Webster%27s&word=ev...
    6. (Biol.) (a) A general name for the history of the steps by which any living organism has acquired the morphological and physiological characters which distinguish it; a gradual unfolding of successive phases of growth or development.
    (A)
  25. rhymezone
    http://www.rhymezone.com/r/rhyme.cgi?Word=evolution&typeo...
    (biology) the sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or taxonomic group of organisms
    (C)
  26. AllWords Online Dictionary
    Online Dictionary, Language Guide, Foreign Language and Etymology
    3. biol. The cumulative changes in the characteristics of living organisms or populations of organisms from generation to generation, resulting in the development of new types of organism over long periods of time.
    (D)
  27. LookWayUp Online Dictionary
    http://lookwayup.com/lwu.exe/lwu/d?s=f&w=evolution
    2.[n] the sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or taxonomic group of organisms.
    (C)
  28. Notre Dame Personalized Online Electronic Text Services
    http://poets.notredame.ac.jp/cgi-bin/wn
    (biology) the sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or taxonomic group of organisms
    (C)
  29. Dictionary by Labor Law Talk
    http://dictionary.laborlawtalk.com/biological%20evolution
    Evolution generally refers to any process of change over time; in the context of the life sciences, evolution is a change in the genetic makeup of a group - a population of interbreeding individuals within a species. Since the emergence of modern genetics in the 1940s, evolution has been defined more specifically as a change in the frequency of alleles from one generation to the next.
    (D)
  30. Biotech LIfe Science Dictionary
    http://biotech.icmb.utexas.edu/
    In biological terms: a change in the genetic composition of a population over time.
    (D)
  31. UCMP Glossary
    UCMP Glossary: E
    evolution -- Darwin's definition: descent with modification. The term has been variously used and abused since Darwin to include everything from the origin of man to the origin of life.
    (D)
  32. Dinosauria Online
    Dinosauria On-Line
    evolution v. changes in the character states of organisms, species, and clades through time
    (D)
  33. Biology-Online Editable Wiki Dictionary
    Biology Dictionary Online | BiologyOnline.com
    2. a process of development in which an organ or organism becomes more and more complex by the differentiation of its parts, a continuous and progressive change according to certain laws and by means of resident forces.
    (B)
  34. Archaeology Wordsmith
    Archaeology Wordsmith
    A theory of biology about the gradual or rapid change of the form of living organisms throughout time that reflects adaptive change; it is the theory that all forms of life derive from a process of change via natural selection.
    (D)
  35. Bird Dictionary
    Topic: Evolution
    Development of the living organism through gradual changes in its characteristics by mutation over long periods of time. Thus one species may evolve into two or more different species, any of which and/or the original species, may become extinct. Evolution proceeds by means of natural selection and adaptive radiation.
    (D)
  36. Drug Discovery & Development
    http://www.dddmag.com/Glossary.aspx
    The process of cumulative change occurring over successive generations.
    (D)
  37. GardenWeb Botany from A to Z
    http://search.gardenweb.com/search/?term=evolution&x=0&y=0
    Organic evolution is any genetic difference in organisms from generation to generation.
    (D)
  38. EverythingBio
    http://www.everythingbio.com/glos/definition.php?word=evo...
    In Darwinian terms a gradual change in phenotypic frequencies in a population that results in individuals with improved reproductive success.
    (D)
  39. Computational Beauty of Nature
    Page not found - MIT Press
    A process operating on populations that involves variation among individuals, traits being inheritable, and a level of fitness for individuals that is a function of the possessed traits. Over relatively long periods of time, the distribution of inheritable traits will tend to reflect the fitness that the traits convey to the individual; thus, evolution acts as a filter that selects fitness-yielding traits over other traits.
    (D)
  40. Astronomical Glossary
    http://nedwww.ipac.caltech.edu/level5/Glossary/Glossary_E.html
    (a) In Biology the theory that coniplex and multifarious living things developed from generally simpler and less various organisms.
    (B)
  41. US Environmental Protection Agency
    http://iaspub.epa.gov/trs/search$.startup
    The biological theory or process whereby species of plants and animals change with the passage of time so that their descendants differ from their ancestors, i.e. development from earlier forms by hereditary transmission of slight variations in successive generations.
    (D)
  42. Crystal Reference Encyclopedia
    Reference.com - What's Your Question?
    Any gradual directional change; now most commonly used to refer to the cumulative changes in the characteristics of populations of organisms from generation to generation. Evolution occurs by the fixation of changes (mutations) in the structure of the genetic material, and the passing on of these changes from ancestor to descendant. It is well demonstrated over geological time by the sequence of organisms preserved in the fossil record. There are two opposing schools of thought regarding the pattern and tempo of evolution. The gradualist school is based on a model of evolution in which species change gradually through time by slow directional change within a lineage, producing a long graded series of differing forms. The punctuated equilibria school is based on a model in which species are relatively stable and long-lived in geological time, and that new species appear during outbursts of rapid speciation, followed by the differential success of certain of the newly formed species.
    (D)
  43. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia
    Reference.com - What's Your Question?
    evolution, concept that embodies the belief that existing animals and plants developed by a process of gradual, continuous change from previously existing forms. This theory, also known as descent with modification, constitutes organic evolution. Inorganic evolution, on the other hand, is concerned with the development of the physical universe from unorganized matter. Organic evolution, as opposed to belief in the special creation of each individual species as an immutable form, conceives of life as having had its beginnings in a simple primordial protoplasmic mass (probably originating in the sea) from which, through the long eras of time, arose all subsequent living forms.
    (D)
  44. New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy
    Bartleby.com:
    A theory first proposed in the nineteenth century by Charles Darwin, according to which the Earth’s species have changed and diversified through time under the influence of natural selection. Life on Earth is thought to have evolved in three stages. First came chemical evolution, in which organic molecules were formed. This was followed by the development of single cells capable of reproducing themselves. This stage led to the development of complex organisms capable of sexual reproduction. Evolution is generally accepted as fact by scientists today, although debates continue over the precise mechanisms involved in the process.
    (D)
That's your 6 references (3 of which can't be verified on-line) and my 38 (with duplicates ignored between several posts) for a total of 44 sources. Correct me if I missed any.
Of these 44 sources:
  • =(A) = 2 can be interpreted as a new feature being required (5%)
  • =(B) = 3 can be interpreted as increased complexity being required (7%)
  • =(C) = 5 can be interpreted as speciation being required (11%)
  • =(D) = 31 refer to evolution as being change in species over time, change in the frequency of alleles or descent with modification. That's 70% (not 25% so you are misrepresenting the facts again).
  • =(E) = 3 don't fit into any of the (A) (B) (C) or (D) classes (7%)
Adding the (A) (B) and (C) values together I get 23% (not 71% so you are misrepresenting the facts again).
Your lumping of "speciation" with "added complexity" and "development of new features" is curious and can only be interpreted as an attempt to inflate your position that there must be some substantial or significant change involved in evolution. This of course means that substantial and significant change does occur seeing as speciation is an observed occurrence - speciation is a fact of life. Doing this thus refutes your position.
Adding "speciation" to "change in species over time" and you get 81% which is much more representative of WHY the definition of evolution is change in species over time (or change in the frequency of alleles in a population or descent with modification, or ... speciation).
Here are some more I ran across while verifying each of the linked definitions above:
  1. Medicinenet
    http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3341
    Evolution: The continuing process of change, especially in reference to natural selection.
    (D)
  2. Stedman's Medical Dictionary
    http://216.251.232.159/semdweb/internetsomd/ASP/1515763.asp
    A progressive distancing between the genotype and the phenotype in a line of descent.
    (D)
  3. Tree of Life Glossary
    Tree of Life Glossary
    Genetic changes in lineages of organisms over time. Through this process, a lineage may split and diversify into new species.
    (D)
  4. Biology Text
    Page not found – Biology Glossary Search
    In Darwinian terms a gradual change in phenotypic frequencies in a population that results in individuals with improved reproductive success.
    (D)
  5. evo-wiki
    SLOT88 Situs Judi Slot Online Terpercaya No 1 di Indonesia
    The Theory of Evolution (ToE) - Change in allele frequency over time, a scientific theory.
    (D)
  6. creation-wiki
    Evolution - CreationWiki, the encyclopedia of creation science
    Biological evolution: the observable scientific fact that the genetic characteristics of species change over time, as a result of recombination, mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift.
    (D)
That's another 6 sources, all of which are (D)'s bringing the total to 37/50 = 74% for (D) alone and 42/50 = 84% for (D) + (C) = change in species over time, including speciation.
Note that I provide the evidence for my calculation while you just post numbers. Feel free to check my numbers -- the evidence is there for all to see.
Enjoy


(1) In the first instance for this footnote you had tried to present the Berkeley definition as “the central idea of biological evolution is that all life on Earth shares a common ancestor . Through the process of descent with modification, the common ancestor of life on Earth gave rise to the fantastic diversity that we see documented in the fossil record and around us today. Evolution means that we're all distant cousins: humans and oak trees, hummingbirds and whales.” In fact the definition they gave is the one above and clearly labeled "definition"- THUS any definition you provided that cannot be verified is suspect, as you have been shown to willfully misrepresent the truth and only pick out what meets your interpretation of the definition no matter how far from the definition it is on the page.
You have accused me of lying. This is the third time I have demonstrated that you have misrepresented the truth.

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This message is a reply to:
 Message 53 by MurkyWaters, posted 02-25-2007 8:27 PM MurkyWaters has not replied

RAZD
Member (Idle past 1404 days)
Posts: 20714
From: the other end of the sidewalk
Joined: 03-14-2004


Message 68 of 121 (387555)
03-01-2007 8:25 AM
Reply to: Message 67 by MurkyWaters
03-01-2007 1:07 AM


Re: Problems. Try reality ...

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This is laughable. That is your refutation despite all of my valid arguments against this deceptive and nonsensical definition used simply to bolster you lies and ego?
See Message 66
Second, this does not invalidate IC because a multipart (IC) system was not wiped out to begin with. Only 1 component of a multipart system was deleted. While this capability was restored, it utilized an almost identical pre-existing component to do it with. Experiments have repeatedly demonstrated that only a single step like this can be performed. Multiple “evolutionary” steps required to replace multiple (IC) missing components has NEVER been demonstrated.
The concept of IC is that one part being removed renders the WHOLE inactive, therefore removing one part is ALL that is necessary to render the whole inoperative.
The "almost identical pre-existing component" is a component that is STILL different and that must be modified to work - there must be a mutation that did not exist in the bacterial genome before to change that element.
But that was not the only element that was needed for the whole new system to operate. There was a second mutation in a second component that then made a new different IC system. Remove one component of the new system and the whole fails to work: this is the definition of IC.
The new system is an IC system and it did evolve. Case closed.
Multiple “evolutionary” steps required to replace multiple (IC) missing components has NEVER been demonstrated.
False precept. The system evolved, it is IC and this precept and conclusions are invalidated.
Then you go on to hypocritically state that information loss is irrelevant, but information gain favors your position. So how is it that you can so confidently claim that information increases when there is no way to measure it? You can either measure it or you can’t.
What I said was (1) YOU have no metric for establishing what the "information level" is for any species, therefore you cannot measure whether it increases or decreases, and (2) that in an instance like this where you have boundary condition {A}, remove a part (whether an IC component or wings), and then later boundary condition {A} is restored (by evolution), that either you must have an increase in information in one of the steps OR the concept of information is useless in determining what can and cannot evolve.
You are back to your strawman again. I have never made this claim. I have said that information is lost or re-shuffled, but not gained.
I gave you two different instances where this boundary condition evaluation above shows either information increases OR is irrelevant to what evolution can and cannot accomplish. This invalidates "information" as a concept worth pursuing any further.
And here is Behe’s response ...
Which is also refuted by Ken Miller:
http://www.millerandlevine.com/km/evol/DI/AcidTest.html
quote:
However, when Hall grew the bacteria under selective conditions designed to favor re-evolved galactosidase activity, Behe cried foul. As he should know, and as Futuyma wrote, "... mutation and natural selection in concert are the source of complex adaptations." All that Hall had done was to set up conditions where the bacteria would survive (although just barely), and would prosper only if they evolved a system to replace the one he had deleted. Behe calls this "intervention," implying that the investigator had to intervene directly to produce the new system. He didn't of course. All that Hall did was to use that inducer to set up growth conditions that would ensure that the mutants, if they appeared, could survive to be recovered and analyzed. In short, he screened for mutants, he didn't produce them as Behe implies.
Behe is perfectly free to describe the results of these experiments as "a series of micromutations," but he's missing the key question. That question, of course, is whether or not these "micromutations" assembled a system that would fit Behe's description of "irreducible complexity." As I will show, they do.
Achieving Irreducible Complexity
Does Barry Hall's ebg system fit the definition of irreducible complexity? Absolutely. The three parts of the evolved system are:
(1) A lactose-sensitive ebg repressor protein that controls expression of the galactosidase enzyme
(2) The ebg galactosidase enzyme
(3) The enzyme reaction that induces the lac permease
Unless all three are in place, the system does not function, which is, of course, the key element of an irreducibly complex system. Behe quotes a single sentence from Hall's 1999 Paper (FEMS Microbiology Letters 178: 1-6) to the effect that "reacquisition of lactose utilization requires only the evolution of a new beta-galactosidase function." The quote is accurate, but Hall is describing only the enzymes directly involved in lactose metabolism (number 2 in my list above), not the regulatory parts that make the pathway function (numbers 1 and 3).
You do realize that Behe admitted in court under oath that there is no such thing as an IC system that can't be explained by evolution don't you?
It part of the Dover trial.
It’s also extremely important to realize that after all these experiments the result was still bacteria. Therefore, no evolution occurred (by definition).
Grab at those straws and hold on tight Murk.
There was a change in the species over time, there was a change in the frequency of alleles within the population: that IS evolution. It does not matter that speciation was not reached (the bacteria is still considered e-coli, although it is difficult to test for reproductive isolation eh).
You cannot use your definition of evolution - use the one used in science or talk about something else Murk. See Message 66.
I’ve just demonstrated that there is a barrier, one that has been called “mount improbable” by Dawkins. Information gain is required.
You've demonstrated that you just ignored evidence to the contrary.
Correct. It is not a definition;
How much change? Enough to change one KIND of creature into another KIND.
Speciation is an arbitrary classification. ... Notice that scientist differentiate cats into various species, ...
... it has never been observed, the fossil record does not support it and no amount of time will transform one kind into another.
You are still dancing around the issue Murk, and you still have not defined it.
You are still talking about a matter of degree, and you FAILED to comment on the issue of degree of difference between any two of three species at the DNA genetic level to show that there is some other "kind" of change necessary. All that is needed is mutation and natural selection. Change in species over time.
The fossil record shows a dogish looking herbivorous animal* evolving into the modern horse - this is one of the ancestral species to modern horses:
There are other examples in the fossil record. See
Transitional Vertebrate Fossils FAQ: Part 1B
Page not found | Skeptical Inquirer
http://www.actionbioscience.org/evolution/benton2.html
For some examples. Denial doesn't make them go away.
Here you go again. I wish you’d make up your mind. In a previous post you DENIED that change in species over time was a mechanism and now you state it is again.
My bad. The mechanism is mutation (change to the genetic pool of alleles in a population) and natural selection (survival and sexual selection operating over time).
The evidence does not invalidate creation theory, only your interpretation does and your interpretation is false. THAT’S REALITY. I’ll talk more about it when you agree to finish our first topic on definitions.
So far all you have presented is hot air and wasted bandwidth. So far your "alternate interpretation" has been shown to be a falsified interpretation.
It will be interesting to see if you EVER get around to the issues.
Enjoy.

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Edited by RAZD, : "dog-like herbiverous animal" changed to "dogish looking herbivorous animal"

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This message is a reply to:
 Message 67 by MurkyWaters, posted 03-01-2007 1:07 AM MurkyWaters has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 70 by MurkyWaters, posted 03-26-2007 9:51 PM RAZD has replied

RAZD
Member (Idle past 1404 days)
Posts: 20714
From: the other end of the sidewalk
Joined: 03-14-2004


Message 69 of 121 (387672)
03-01-2007 8:09 PM
Reply to: Message 67 by MurkyWaters
03-01-2007 1:07 AM


Why Creationist "Information" is a Useless Concept

GREAT DEBATE - RAZD and MurkyWaters only

I have said that information is lost or re-shuffled, but not gained. Information is in the genetic code.
Take part one of this claim: "information is lost" (but not gained).
To evaluate the validity of this claim we can look for an instance where there is a known loss of ability or feature: what should undeniably qualify as a loss of "information" regardless of how "information" is defined or measured. Then we look at following generations to see if the ability or feature is replaced.
Two such examples have already been mentioned: (1) the walkingstick insects that evolved wings, lost wings and evolved wings, and (2) the e-coli bacteria where a gene for processing lactose was intentionally removed resulting in the loss of the ability to metabolize lactose, and that was then recovered by later generations that evolved a method to do so.
There are three possible results of this:
  1. There was no "loss" to begin with - and thus the creationist concept of "information" is irrelevant to the evolution of features and abilities in organisms as the "information" was also not involved in the replacement of the feature or ability,
    OR
  2. There was "loss" and there was subsequent "gain" when the feature or ability was regained - and the claim that "information" was "not gained" is refuted, falsified, invalidated and shown to be just plain wrong,
    OR
  3. The "information" was "reshuffled" ... part two of this claim.
Now take part two of this claim: "or (information is) reshuffled" (but not gained).
So what is being "reshuffled"?
Information is in the genetic code.
re·shuf·fle1. To shuffle again: reshuffle cards.
2. To arrange or organize anew: The president reshuffled the advisory committee.
So this means that the genetic code - the DNA - is rearranged or arranged anew. In effect there is no limit to the rearrangement of the DNA that could result. One could theoretically take the DNA of a slug and "reshuffle" it to match the DNA of a capucin monkey and then use it to make a "clone" capucin monkey with today's technology. This is functionally and conceptually no different than random mutation producing any arrangement in the DNA of a species.
If the functional and conceptual result of "reshuffling" is identical to the functional and conceptual result of random mutation then the two are functionally and conceptually identical.
ie creationist "reshuffled" = evolution random mutation.
If the "reshuffled" genetic code is subsequently selected for (by increased survival or reproductive ability), such that a lost feature is regained, then that feature has evolved by random mutation and natural selection. We are now back to either (1) or (2) in the first case discussed above, where the creationist concept of "information" (cannot be gained) is either falsified or rendered irrelevant to the discussion of what can and cannot evolve.
And just as there is no limit to how much the genetic code can be "reshuffled" - mutated - there is no limit on what can evolve.
Recap:
  1. There was no "loss" to begin with - and thus the creationist concept of "information" is irrelevant to the evolution of features and abilities in organisms as the "information" was also not involved in the replacement of the feature or ability,
    OR
  2. There was "loss" and there was subsequent "gain" when the feature or ability was regained - and the claim that "information" was "not gained" is refuted, falsified, invalidated and shown to be just plain wrong,
    OR
  3. There was a "reshuffling" that is functionally indistinguishable from random mutation, followed by selection of the "reshuffled" or mutated alleles, and thus evolution occurs by random mutation and natural selection unhindered by any restriction from a "gain" in information. Thus (3) = (1) or (2) by default.
Conclusion:
The creationist concept of "information" is either (1) intellectually useless and does not affect what can and cannot evolve, OR (2) refuted, falsified, invalidated and shown to be just plain wrong.
Enjoy.

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This message is a reply to:
 Message 67 by MurkyWaters, posted 03-01-2007 1:07 AM MurkyWaters has not replied

RAZD
Member (Idle past 1404 days)
Posts: 20714
From: the other end of the sidewalk
Joined: 03-14-2004


Message 71 of 121 (392554)
04-01-2007 9:47 AM
Reply to: Message 70 by MurkyWaters
03-26-2007 9:51 PM


Definitions - the real story (yes it is LONG)

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(added by edit)
Notes:
(1) this post just evaluates the information. If you want to skip over this, you can go to Message 73 where the data is summarized and the results discussed.
(2) I've modified my definition slightly to be more specific about what kinds of change in species over time is involved: hereditary traits. This was implied before, especially with reference to the other variations - descent with modification, change in the frequency of alleles in populations over generations, etc. I've done this to be consistent with the scientific definitions of biological evolution used by Berkeley and the UofMich. See Message 73. I've also added the factor of {heredity} to the evaluation to be consistent with the other factors. Modifications are in pink below.
Enjoy.
First, I have already demonstrated that 82% of the definitions “sound like” my definition.
No you just claimed it. You did NOT provide any demonstration of it at all in any previous post. Only after I posted my evaluation did you bother to provide an accounting of your evaluation. We will now turn to that, seeing as you are wanting to only discuss definitions now.
I'll note at the start that you are still misrepresenting the evidence. When an encyclopedia or article on evolution is cited, you don't search for where they say what you want to say and claim that is part of the definition - you look for the definition ("evolution is ...") statement and stop when they start discussing the application of that to the evidence. Likewise when a dictionary definition is used and there is an entry for "biol." then that is the entry to use (they are talking about the biology definition not the general definition).
(ABC) - Development of new features, complexity, speciation, responsibility for all the diversity of life or a common ancestor is included in the definition. This qualifies the type of change involved as molecules to man evolution since change in species over time is vague, confusing and requires explanation.
How is a species NOT changed by the development of a new feature? How is a species NOT changed by becoming a new species? How is a species NOT changed by a change in complexity? No, Development of new features IS change in species over time, Speciation IS change in species over time, Complexity IS change in species over time. You lump these together with other elements to misrepresent the definition given and misrepresent your results. This kind of misrepresentation falsifies your accounting before you begin.
(D) - Change in species over time, including change in frequency of alleles and descent with modification and other variations (although these are not equivalent) is the ONLY part of the definition with no other explanation that includes ABC or F.
These are equivalent, as I have pointed out and used them several times to make just that point. Furthermore, not counting "change in species over time" when it is also included in any other definition presents a false misrepresentative under counting of it in the numbers of definitions.
Message 17: And the definition of evolution as used in biological science is change in species over time, or some variation on that theme (change in frequency of alleles etc). It is also the definition universally accepted as demonstrated above.
Message 32: Speciation IS evolution.
You need to get the point of understanding that if you are arguing against evolutionary biology you WILL USE the definitions of evolutionary biology OR you are arguing against SOMETHING ELSE.
The "real" definition of evolution is the one evolutionary biology uses: simply stated it is change in species over time (or some more complex variation on that theme, like change in frequency of alleles within populations in succeeding generations etc). The list above confirms this.
Message 46: The Galapagos finches example is still a "genetic difference in organisms from generation to generation" because the frequency of the alleles for the different sized beaks changes within the population, first towards larger more robust beaks and then back to smaller slender beaks. In each case there were existing genes within the population for natural selection to operate on when one type was favored over the other for survival. Yes this is evolution, it just has not been "captured" by the process of speciation yet. This is change in species over time at the sub-species level.
Message 48: Evolution is change (modification) in species (population) over time (generations = descent). The amount of change possible is related to the amount of time available.
Within one generation the amount of change possible in a population of a species is a shift in the frequency of alleles within that population. Some alleles are added (mutation), some are eliminated (death before reproduction), and some are more numerous than before while others are less numerous (drift or selection).
Change from generation to generation is sometimes additive -- resulting in a trend -- and sometimes revertive -- fluctuating about a basic pattern.
Message 50: Nonetheless, what we have here is "micro"evolution with a speciation event that divides a population of primates into two daughter populations, each of which will continue to evolve by "change in species over time" within their respective populations -- by "micro"evolution.
In all cases (before and after) evolution proceeds in response to selection pressure for survival and breeding. The mechanism by which this is realized is still "micro"evolution - the change is species over time - within each population. Variation and selection. Change in the frequency of alleles within a population. Adaptation and selection.
Pelycodus is an example of non-arbitrary speciation of one species into two - related - species. The process of that speciation is in accordance with the working definition of "micro"evolution given above.
Message 55: Evolution IS the change in species over time ... whether it is stated as "descent with modification" (Darwin) OR the "change in the frequency of alleles in a population" OR similar.
By evolution. By mutation and selection. By change in species over time. By the change in the frequency of alleles in a population.
Message 59: What you seem to fail to understand is that you ARE talking about the degree of change, whether you drag your feet kicking and screaming or not. You are talking about the differences in DNA between species, differences that are still due to mutation and selection (ie -change in species over time \ change in the frequency of alleles in a population \ descent with modification \ etc) and thus all you have is the degree of change in DNA.
Message 63: Speciation is evolution whether you like it or not: this is the way it is used in the science by the scientists in the field. You can try to call it something else but the only one you fool is yourself.
Variation within a gene pool is also evolution, even if it has not reached the point of speciation - it is still a change in the frequency of alleles in a population, ie change in species over time. The process is on-going and continuous.
So stop with the false interpretations Murk. Accept evolution for what it is: descent with modification, change in the frequency of alleles in a population, change in species over time.
So when I say
Message 66: Then we'll compare that to definitions that use
(D) Change in species over time, including change in frequency of alleles and descent with modification and other variations that are of equivalent meaning.
It is not a new claim but a consistent one that has been carried throughout the debate on my part. I also said:
First we'll parse your 71% "statistic" -- we'll only use "stated directly" to avoid interpretations and we'll look at each part separately. We'll also only look in the definition and not in any discussion following the definition.
And yet you still go and add back other parts into your evaluation that ARE part of the discussion and not the definition. That is misrepresenting what is the definition in those discussions. You do this again here even when it has already been pointed out as false misrepresentation of the definitions involved. The most blatant one of these is the Berkeley one.
Let's cut to the chase: the disagreement is over whether "change in species over time" is a complete definition of the scientific theory.
Those other things are clearly included because “Change in species over time” cannot stand on its own and is not a statement of the theory of evolution, only an observation which could mean literally ANYTHING. I suspect that some of the people responsible for posting a bogus “CISOT only” definition in these references may either have their own political, theological or materialistic biases, have been swayed by evolutionist propaganda or simply copied unintentionally from another incorrect definition.
Or they are just really using the scientific definition, and YOUR bias and misconceptions are hindering your understanding of the evidence.
So here are the correct classifications of the definitions. Definitions or parts of definitions in another color is what you left out.
So let's take them one at a time, focus on the definition that best represents the scientific definition that would be used in biology and see where that leads us. We will also look at whether the definition essentially consists of "change is species over time" (including change in the frequency of alleles, descent with modification, or the like), or whether some other element is seen as necessary. We will start with:
(R) = "change in species over time" (and variations previously noted) OR
(X) = something else is said and "change in species over time" is NOT included at all in the definition
I will post the text that applies plus other definitions and discussions down to where you add your elements so that all can see their relationships. Within these I will highlight in yellow what I feel is the definition part of these that applies to this debate. I will also highlight in orange what you added in your "evaluation" of the definitions.
(1) Dictionary.com
Evolution Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
3.Biology. change in the gene pool of a population from generation to generation by such processes as mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift.
(D)
We agree on this one. Just for reference we'll also look at the total definition given:
quote:
1. any process of formation or growth; development: the evolution of a language; the evolution of the airplane.
2. a product of such development; something evolved: The exploration of space is the evolution of decades of research.
3. Biology. change in the gene pool of a population from generation to generation by such processes as mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift.
4. a process of gradual, peaceful, progressive change or development, as in social or economic structure or institutions.
5. a motion incomplete in itself, but combining with coordinated motions to produce a single action, as in a machine.
6. a pattern formed by or as if by a series of movements: the evolutions of a figure skater.
7. an evolving or giving off of gas, heat, etc.
8. Mathematics. the extraction of a root from a quantity. Compare involution (def. 8).
9. a movement or one of a series of movements of troops, ships, etc., as for disposition in order of battle or in line on parade.
10. any similar movement, esp. in close order drill.
Note that the only definition that applies to biological evolution is the one listed as "biology" ...
(R) (GG+)
(2) Wikipedia.org
Evolution - Wikipedia
In biology, evolution is the change in the heritable traits of a population over successive generations, as determined by shifts in the allele frequencies of genes. Over time, this process can result in speciation, the development of new species from existing ones. All contemporary organisms are related to each other through common descent, the products of cumulative evolutionary changes over billions of years. Evolution is the source of the vast biodiversity on Earth, including the many extinct species attested in the fossil record.[1][2]
(ABC) (F)
Going again to the source (especially seeing as this one has changed again):
quote:
Strictly speaking, biological evolution is the process of change over time in the heritable characteristics, or traits, of a population of organisms. Heritable traits are encoded by the genetic material of an organism (usually DNA). Evolution generally results from three processes: random mutation to genetic material, random genetic drift, and non-random natural selection within populations and species. In everyday use, evolution is also used more generally to refer to the greater outcomes of these processes, such as the diversification of all forms of life from shared ancestors, and observable changes in the fossil record over time.
After the highlighted part is discussion of this definition and application of it.
(R) (D-) (H+)
(3) Encarta Encyclopedia
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761554675/Evolution.html
Evolution, in biology, complex process by which the characteristics of living organisms change over many generations as traits are passed from one generation to the next. The science of evolution seeks to understand the biological forces that caused ancient organisms to develop into the tremendous and ever-changing variety of life seen on Earth today. It addresses how, over the course of time, various plant and animal species branch off to become entirely new species, and how different species are related through complicated family trees that span millions of years.
(ABC) (F)
quote:
Evolution, in biology, complex process by which the characteristics of living organisms change over many generations as traits are passed from one generation to the next. The science of evolution seeks to understand the biological forces that caused ancient organisms to develop into the tremendous and ever-changing variety of life seen on Earth today. It addresses how, over the course of time, various plant and animal species branch off to become entirely new species, and how different species are related through complicated family trees that span millions of years.
After the highlighted part is discussion of this definition and application of it. We can argue over whether "many generations" is a lot of time, but this is also what we see with breeding of animals - that it takes many generations - so I can't see this as being a requirement for deep time.
(R) (M-)(G+) (S-) (H-)
(4) Lexicon
http://www.lexicon-biology.com/biology/definition_45.html
Evolution is the process that has led to the appearance and transformation of living species on earth. The first living beings - undoubtedly very rudimentary cells , algae, or bacteria - appeared 3.8 billion years ago. Since then, life forms have diversified and adapted to their environments. All living species today have, therefore, the same origin.
(ABC) (F)
Going again to the full listing:
quote:
EVOLUTION
Process that has led to the appearance and transformation of living species on earth.


Evolution is the process that has led to the appearance and transformation of living species on earth. The first living beings - undoubtedly very rudimentary cells , algae, or bacteria - appeared 3.8 billion years ago. Since then, life forms have diversified and adapted to their environments. All living species today have, therefore, the same origin.
(select 2 "To know more ...")
Numerous researchers have attempted to explain the divergence of species over time. Darwin, in the middle of the 19th century, suggested that the engine for this divergence is a process called, natural selection . This idea was revisited in the middle of the 20th century by the synthetic theory of evolution, which integrated the discoveries of Mendel on the mechanisms of genetic transmission with the ideas of natural selection. By this theory, many characteristics - for example, eye colour - vary from one individual to the next and from generation to generation by mutations of the genome. After such mutations, the individuals best adapted to survive and reproduce transmit their characteristics to their descendants: the initial species transforms itself, little by little, into a new species.
Appearance of living species would be the descent of living species from (no longer living) ancestors. Transformation of living species would be change from those ancestors. The separation line clearly distinguishes between the definition part and a discussion of that definition. The further discussion on the second page also clearly shows what they mean.
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(5) Berkely U
An introduction to evolution - Understanding Evolution
(the real definition(1))Biological evolution, simply put, is descent with modification. This definition encompasses small-scale evolution (changes in gene frequency in a population from one generation to the next) and large-scale evolution (the descent of different species from a common ancestor over many generations). Evolution helps us to understand the history of life . The central idea of biological evolution is that all life on Earth shares a common ancestor . Through the process of descent with modification, the common ancestor of life on Earth gave rise to the fantastic diversity that we see documented in the fossil record and around us today.
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It kind of amazes me that you repeat this misrepresentation after it has already been uncovered in previous posts and repeated as evidence of such on your part.
quote:
The Definition:
Biological evolution, simply put, is descent with modification. This definition encompasses small-scale evolution (changes in gene frequency in a population from one generation to the next) and large-scale evolution (the descent of different species from a common ancestor over many generations). Evolution helps us to understand the history of life.
The Explanation:
Biological evolution is not simply a matter of change over time. Lots of things change over time: trees lose their leaves, mountain ranges rise and erode, but they aren't examples of biological evolution because they don't involve descent through genetic inheritance.
The central idea of biological evolution is that all life on Earth shares a common ancestor, just as you and your cousins share a common grandmother.
Through the process of descent with modification, the common ancestor of life on Earth gave rise to the fantastic diversity that we see documented in the fossil record and around us today. Evolution means that we're all distant cousins: humans and oak trees, hummingbirds and whales.
Note the selective picking of elements that fit your preconceived notion of what the definition is rather than looking for what the article says is the definition: this is blatant misrepresentation of the definition here.
After the highlighted part is discussion of this definition and application of it to the evidence ("one generation to the next" or "descent of different species from a common ancestor over many generations"). The following "explanation" part then specifies "descent through genetic inheritance" and applies this to the whole fossil record as we know it. It discusses the application back to a first common ancestor, but the definition is "simply put" ...
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(6) Modern Biology, Its Conceptual Foundations” by Elof Axel Carlson
evolution: a theory of complexity in the organization of life from the origins of life to the present with the premise that all life is related by common descent to the first forms of life on earth.
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I have this on order for my library. Until I see it I take your presentation with a grain of salt. Tentatively (until verified), this involves change in species over time, plus a single common ancestor
{added by edit} I now have this book from the library. What you have is the definition in the glossary, which also lists the pages where this is discussed:
quote:
evolution: a theory of complexity in the organization of life from the origins of life to the present with the premise that all life is related by common descent to the first forms of life on earth. 6, 229, 257, 260, 264, 267, 319
Looking at these (briefly), p 6 is the introduction and it discusses the difference between fact and theory, p 229 is the start of Section V: Evolution, and it discusses some of the historical theories, p 257 discusses "recapitulation" and the study of heredity in germ-cells, p 260 discusses the random probability distribution of mutations and a tendency for statis in stable environments, change in unstable environments, p 264 discusses 3 competing theories of evolution, p 267 says evolution is an application of basic scientific processes, and p319 involves a study of the changes in hemoglobin between humans and other apes. In none of those references is the descent from a single common ancestor at the origins of life necessary to the discussion of evolution.
(R) (O+) (A+)
(7) Barnes and Noble Thesaurus of Biology
evolution: the process by which more complex forms of life have arisen from simpler forms over millions of years
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The full entry:
quote:
evolution: the process by which more complex forms of life have arisen from simpler forms over millions of years (see geological time scale p226 and natural selection).
Natural Selection (n) the method by which evolution is believed to have occurred. It arises from the facts that (1) there is overproduction of offspring; (2) individuals within a polulation vary; (3) resources in terms of food, territory etc., are limited; (4) only the fittest survive and produce the next generation. If the characteristics that aid survival are inherited the compositon of the population will gradually change, i.e. successful individuals and their offspring are selected, non-successful ones are gradually eliminated. This evolutionary method was first proposed by Darwin.
Geological time, geological time scale (n) systemt of sub-dividing the period of time involved in the evolution of living things on earth. The main divisions are eras, each of which is further divided into periods, e.g. Proterozoic, Palaeozoic, Mesozoic, Caenozoic (see diagram). The approximate dates of the eras have been obtained by radioactive dating of rocks and by identification of the fossilized remains of plants and animals that are contained within many of them.
This is still change in species over time. The change from simpler to more complex is still change. Millions of years is also only the time span for the evolution of Homo sapiens from Homo habilis, not that significant in the total evolutionary picture. This also does not relate to the different rates of evolution for different species, some of which go through many generations in a matter of weeks.
(R) (M+) (C+) (H-)
(8) Concise Dictionary of Biology (Oxford University Press)
Defines evolution as “The gradual process by which the present diversity of plant and animal life arose from the earliest and most primitive organisms, which is believe to have been continuing for at least the past 3000 million years.”
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This one is not available from my library, so I'll have to wait until I can get to the big city. Until then I will also take this presentation from you with a grain of salt. Tentatively (until verified), this involves change in species over time, plus an early common ancestor
(R)t (B-) (A+)
(9) U of Michigan
Evolution and Natural Selection
The university of Michigan teaches that Darwin's theory of evolution has four main parts: 1) Organisms have changed over time 2) All organisms are derived from common ancestors 3) Change is gradual and slow, taking place over a long time and 4) The mechanism of evolutionary change was natural selection
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This one gets a little long ... and I've left out some parts.
quote:
In this lesson, we wish to ask:
* How did observations in nature lead to the formulation of the theory of evolution?
* What are the main points of Darwin's theory of evolution?
* How does the process of natural selection work?
* What evidence do we have for local adaptation?
* How can natural selection affect the frequency of traits over successive generations?
The (R)Evolution of Theory
The theory of evolution is one of the great intellectual revolutions of human history, drastically changing our perception of the world and of our place in it. Charles Darwin put forth a coherent theory of evolution and amassed a great body of evidence in support of this theory. In Darwin's time, most scientists fully believed that each organism and each adaptation was the work of the creator. Linneaus established the system of biological classification that we use today, and did so in the spirit of cataloguing God's creations.
Darwin's Theory
Darwin's theory of evolution has four main parts:
1. Organisms have changed over time, and the ones living today are different from those that lived in the past. Furthermore, many organisms that once lived are now extinct. The world is not constant, but changing. The fossil record provided ample evidence for this view.
2. All organisms are derived from common ancestors by a process of branching. Over time, populations split into different species, which are related because they are descended from a common ancestor. Thus, if one goes far enough back in time, any pair of organisms has a common ancestor. This explained the similarities of organisms that were classified together -- they were similar because of shared traits inherited from their common ancestor. It also explained why similar species tended to occur in the same geographic region.
3. Change is gradual and slow, taking place over a long time. This was supported by the fossil record, and was consistent with the fact that no naturalist had observed the sudden appearance of a new species. [This is now contested by a view of episodes of rapid change and long periods of stasis, known as punctuated equilibrium].
4. The mechanism of evolutionary change was natural selection. This was the most important and revolutionary part of Darwin's theory, and it deserves to be considered in greater detail.
The Process of Natural Selection
Natural selection is a process that occurs over successive generations. The following is a summary of Darwin's line of reasoning for how it works (see Figure 2).
* If all the offspring that organisms can produce were to survive and reproduce, they would soon overrun the earth. Darwin illustrated this point by a calculation using elephants.
Natural Selection Requires...
For natural selection to occur, two requirements are essential:
1. There must be heritable variation for some trait. Examples: beak size, color pattern, thickness of skin, fleetness.
2. There must be differential survival and reproduction associated with the possession of that trait.
Unless both these requirements are met, adaptation by natural selection cannot occur.
Summary
Darwin's theory of evolution fundamentally changed the direction of future scientific thought, though it was built on a growing body of thought that began to question prior ideas about the natural world.
The core of Darwin's theory is natural selection, a process that occurs over successive generations and is defined as the differential reproduction of genotypes.
Natural selection requires heritable variation in a given trait, and differential survival and reproduction associated with possession of that trait.
Examples of natural selection are well-documented, both by observation and through the fossil record.
Selection acts on the frequency of traits, and can take the form of stabilizing, directional, or diversifying selection.
This is a discussion of Darwin's theory of evolution and not the modern science one. Furthermore, the summary section would list the elements that are critical to it, and that summary is all about "change in species over time" ...
But that is not all: the previous lesson in the series has the current scientific definitions:
The Process of Speciation
quote:
Definitions of Biological Evolution
We begin with two working definitions of biological evolution, which capture these two facets of genetics and differences among life forms. Then we will ask what is a species, and how does a species arise?
* Definition 1:
Changes in the genetic composition of a population with the passage of each generation
* Definition 2:
The gradual change of living things from one form into another over the course of time, the origin of species and lineages by descent of living forms from ancestral forms, and the generation of diversity
Note that the first definition emphasizes genetic change. It commonly is referred to as microevolution. The second definition emphasizes the appearance of new, physically distinct life forms that can be grouped with similar appearing life forms in a taxonomic hierarchy. It commonly is referred to as macroevolution.
Both of those definitions of biological evolution involve "change in species over time" and that is what the University of Michigan really teaches as the definitions of evolution. You completely ignore the definitions listed for evolution and go on until you can find something - anything - that meets your false misconception of what the definition should be. This is not the way honest research is done.
(R) (L-)(GG+) (S+) (T-) (D+)
(10) American Heritage Dictionary
Bartleby.com:
3. Biology. a. Change in the genetic composition of a population during successive generations, as a result of natural selection acting on the genetic variation among individuals, and resulting in the development of new species. b. The historical development of a related group of organisms; phylogeny. 1. A gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually more complex or better form.
(ABC) (F)
Here you go mixing non-scientific definitions with the scientific one. We will look at this the same way we looked at definition #(1) above:
quote:
1. A gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually more complex or better form. See synonyms at development. 2a. The process of developing. b. Gradual development. 3. Biology a. Change in the genetic composition of a population during successive generations, as a result of natural selection acting on the genetic variation among individuals, and resulting in the development of new species. b. The historical development of a related group of organisms; phylogeny. 4. A movement that is part of a set of ordered movements. 5. Mathematics The extraction of a root of a quantity.
Note that, as for definition #(1) above, the only definition that applies to biological evolution is the one listed as "biology" ... and it's relation to phylogeny. The one you added is very general and does NOT apply to biology.
(R) (GG+) (S+)
(11) American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary:
Evolution Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
2. The theory that groups of organisms change with passage of time, mainly as a result of natural selection, so that descendants differ morphologically and physiologically from their ancestors.
(D)
Again we agree, but we will still look at this the same way we looked at definition #(1) above:
quote:
1. A continuing process of change from one state or condition to another or from one form to another.
2. The theory that groups of organisms change with passage of time, mainly as a result of natural selection, so that descendants differ morphologically and physiologically from their ancestors.
The second definition applies to biology.
(R)
(12) Merriam-Webster's Dictionary:
Evolution Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
c (1) : a process of continuous change from a lower, simpler, or worse to a higher, more complex, or better state. 4 a : the historical development of a biological group (as a race or species). 4 b : a theory that the various types of animals and plants have their origin in other preexisting types and that the distinguishable differences are due to modifications in successive generations
(ABC) (F)
Again we will look at this the same way we looked at definition #(1) above:
quote:
1 : one of a set of prescribed movements
2 a : a process of change in a certain direction : UNFOLDING b : the action or an instance of forming and giving something off : EMISSION c (1) : a process of continuous change from a lower, simpler, or worse to a higher, more complex, or better state : GROWTH (2) : a process of gradual and relatively peaceful social, political, and economic advance d : something evolved
3 : the process of working out or developing
4 a : the historical development of a biological group (as a race or species) : PHYLOGENY b : a theory that the various types of animals and plants have their origin in other preexisting types and that the distinguishable differences are due to modifications in successive generations; also : the process described by this theory
5 : the extraction of a mathematical root
6 : a process in which the whole universe is a progression of interrelated phenomena
Note that, as for definition #(1) above, the only definition that applies to biological evolution are the ones listed as 4a phylogeny and 4b theory ... of change in species over time ... and the one you added is about GROWTH, not evolution. Another blatant misrepresentation.
(R) (GG+) (S+)
(13) Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary:
Evolution Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
1: a process of change in a certain direction. 2 a : the historical development of a biological group (as a race or species) : PHYLOGENY 2 b : a theory that the various types of animals and plants have their origin in other preexisting types and that the distinguishable differences are due to modifications in successive generations.
(ABC) (F)
And again ...
quote:
1 : a process of change in a certain direction there has been much discussion as to . the possible evolution of benign adenomas into invasive carcinoma ”Journal of the American Medical Association
2 a : the historical development of a biological group (as a race or species) : PHYLOGENY b : a theory that the various types of animals and plants have their origin in other preexisting types and that the distinguishable differences are due to modifications in successive generations
The second (and yes we can use both parts - similar to previous definitions) applies to the biological process. The first definition applies to the development of disease - cancer - and not to the evolution of organisms. Note also that a direction of change could be from {A} to {B} or from {B} to {A} in the first definition.
(R) (GG+) (S+)
(14) Wordnet
Evolution Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
2. (biology) the sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or taxonomic group of organisms
(ABC)
Again the full definitions list:
quote:
1. a process in which something passes by degrees to a different stage (especially a more advanced or mature stage); "the development of his ideas took many years"; "the evolution of Greek civilization"; "the slow development of her skill as a writer" [syn: development] [ant: degeneration]
2. (biology) the sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or taxonomic group of organisms
This is still change in species over time. Compare this to the UMich definitions.
(R) (S+) (T+)
(15) Encarta Dictionary
http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/Evolution.html
1. biology theory of development from earlier forms: the theoretical process by which all species develop from earlier forms of life. According to this theory, natural variation in the genetic material of a population favors reproduction by some individuals more than others, so that over the generations all members of the population come to possess the favorable traits.
2. biology developmental process: the natural or artificially induced process by which new and different organisms develop as a result of changes in genetic material
(ABC)
Again the full listing:
quote:
1. biology theory of development from earlier forms: the theoretical process by which all species develop from earlier forms of life. According to this theory, natural variation in the genetic material of a population favors reproduction by some individuals more than others, so that over the generations all members of the population come to possess the favorable traits.
2. biology developmental process: the natural or artificially induced process by which new and different organisms develop as a result of changes in genetic material

3. gradual development: the gradual development of something into a more complex or better form
the evolution of democracy in Western Europe
4. pattern caused by movement: a pattern formed by a series of movements
5. physics giving off heat or gas: the emission of heat, gas, or vapor
6. mathematics finding root of number: an algebraic operation in which the root, e.g. the square root or cube root, of a number is found.
See also involution (sense 6)
7. military military exercise: a military exercise or maneuver carried out according to a plan
Descent with modification, changes in alleles within populations, change in species over time ...
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(16) The Compact Oxford English Dictionary
Oxford Languages | The Home of Language Data
1 the process by which different kinds of living organism are believed to have developed, especially by natural selection.
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The full listing:
quote:
1 the process by which different kinds of living organism are believed to have developed, especially by natural selection. 2 gradual development. 3 Chemistry the giving off of a gaseous product or of heat. 4 a pattern of movements or manoeuvres.
This doesn't really describe what is going on or what the process is. Is it change in species over time or something else? We can't really tell from this (too concise?).
They also list a number of other links for comparison. So I also looked up "evolve" with this result:
quote:
verb 1 develop gradually. 2 (of an organism or biological feature) develop over successive generations by evolution. 3 Chemistry give off (gas or heat).
And "speciation" ...
quote:
noun Biology the formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.
And "Darwinism" ...
quote:
noun the theory of the evolution of species by natural selection, advanced by the English natural historian Charles Darwin (1809-82).
And "develop" ...
quote:
1 become or make larger or more advanced. 2 start to exist, experience, or possess. 3 convert (land) to a new purpose, especially by constructing buildings. 4 treat (a photographic film) with chemicals to make a visible image.
Develop over successive generations, the formation of new and distinct species, by natural selection, the process by which different kinds of living organism start to exist ...
I don't see anything in this that is NOT change in species over time.
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(17) Cambridge Dictionary
Cambridge Dictionary | English Dictionary, Translations & Thesaurus
the way in which living things change and develop over millions of years, or a gradual process of change and development: Darwin's theory of evolution.
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The full listing:
quote:
the way in which living things change and develop over millions of years, or a gradual process of change and development:
We have two choices - change in species over time (millions of years is the time span for the evolution of Homo sapiens from Homo habilis), OR change in species over time (a gradual process). This later one means that "millions of years" is not a necessary component of the definition.
(R) (M+/2)
(18) Wiktionary
evolution - Wiktionary
2. (biology) The change in the genetic composition of a species' population over successive generations. 1. A gradual process of development, formation, or growth, esp. one leading to a more advanced or complex form.
(ABC)
Again ...
quote:
1. (general) A gradual process of development, formation, or growth, esp. one leading to a more advanced or complex form.
2. (biology) The change in the genetic composition of a population over successive generations.
3. (mathematics) The extraction of a root from a quantity.
4. (military) One of a series of ordered movements.
Do I need to say it? You even omitted where it said "(general)" in your misrepresentation of the definition. Do you really think this is valid?
(R) (GG+)
(19) Wordsmyth
Dictionaries and vocabulary tools for English language learners | Wordsmyth
1. the continuous modification and adaptation of organisms to their environments through selection, hybridization, and the like. 2. The theory or study that describes this process as the cause of species' existence and characteristics. 3. a gradual process of change and development that something goes through, usu. becoming more complex and sometimes better.
(ABC)
Again ...
quote:
1. the continuous modification and adaptation of organisms to their environments through selection, hybridization, and the like.
2. the theory or study that describes this process as the cause of species' existence and characteristics.

Example the dispute over evolution vs. creation. (See Darwinian theory.)
3. a gradual process of change and development that something goes through, usu. becoming more complex and sometimes better.
Example the evolution of electronic weaponry.
Electronic weaponry is NOT biological evolution, thus this 3rd definition is general and does not apply to biological evolution.
(R) (S+)
(20) infoplease
evolution: Meaning and Definition of | Infoplease
3. Biol. change in the gene pool of a population from generation to generation by such processes as mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift.
(D)
Another one where we agree, but still the full listing is:
quote:
1. any process of formation or growth; development: the evolution of a language; the evolution of the airplane.
2. a product of such development; something evolved: The exploration of space is the evolution of decades of research.
3. Biol.change in the gene pool of a population from generation to generation by such processes as mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift.
4. a process of gradual, peaceful, progressive change or development, as in social or economic structure or institutions.
5. a motion incomplete in itself, but combining with coordinated motions to produce a single action, as in a machine.
6. a pattern formed by or as if by a series of movements: the evolutions of a figure skater.
7. an evolving or giving off of gas, heat, etc.
8. Math.the extraction of a root from a quantity. Cf. involution (def. 8).
9. a movement or one of a series of movements of troops, ships, etc., as for disposition in order of battle or in line on parade.
10. any similar movement, esp. in close order drill.
And as before
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(21) Ultralingua Online Dictionary
http://www.ultralingua.com/onlinedictionary/
The sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or taxonomic group of organisms; theory of evolution n. A scientific theory of the origin of species of plants and animals
(ABC)
The listing for evolution:
quote:
The sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or taxonomic group of organisms; [ETYM: Latin evolutio an unrolling: cf. French évolution evolution. Related to Evolve.]
The listing for "evolve"
quote:
1. To come up with; "We evolved an interesting idea"; 2. To undergo an evolution; "Modern man evolved a long time ago." 3. To work out; as of a theory or an idea;
The listing for "theory of evolution"
quote:

This message is a reply to:
 Message 70 by MurkyWaters, posted 03-26-2007 9:51 PM MurkyWaters has not replied

RAZD
Member (Idle past 1404 days)
Posts: 20714
From: the other end of the sidewalk
Joined: 03-14-2004


Message 72 of 121 (392556)
04-01-2007 10:17 AM
Reply to: Message 70 by MurkyWaters
03-26-2007 9:51 PM


other issues

GREAT DEBATE - RAZD and MurkyWaters only

To be blunt however, this debate is overall becoming a colossal waste of time, ...
Not for me. I've barely touched the surface of the information available. Nor has anything you've provided caused any concern.
First, your tone from the very beginning of this debate has been inflammatory and it has only gotten worse as we have proceeded.
Truth hurts. Facts that contradict beliefs are hard to accept, and I can't sugarcoat the facts for you. You can choose to accept them, you can show how they fit an alternative explanation (not just claim this to be the case), or you can choose to deny them, depending on how committed you are to maintaining your beliefs in the face of this evidence.
Your posts are largely littered with false and unsubstantiated claims, misrepresentations and continual accusations of denial, delusion, living in fantasy worlds and other uncalled for attacks and abusive, goading and belittling language.
Yet I have provided substantiation for all my points while you have provided none. The lists of references at the ends of posts are not just for window dressing. I have also substantiated where I have claimed you misrepresent the information, and you have not done that for a single claim. Claims are easy to make.
I suspect, as is common with evolutionists, that this is because you have lost the argument a long time ago and there is nothing left than to use this obvious debate tactic.
One wonders what evidence you base this conclusion on.
Second, I never intended this debate to go on forever. Again, I have other things I would like to do with my life other than debate you. In addition, I’d like to read or participate in other topics that may not have been explored. Whether you wish to believe it or not, I am telling you again that my intention and my understanding was that we were only to address the definitions in this debate. I think this is undeniably clear from the very beginning based on all of my comments and arguments.
From Message 8 (your first post on this thread) - just the headings used, you can review the comments made below them. I don't see a single one of those that you did NOT want to address:
(1) Response to Definitions
Additional Responses
(2) The age of the Earth
(3) What evolution “says”
(4) “Information”
(5) Creationists did it first
Also from Message 1
Personally I would like to start with his First point(1) Definitions, but I wouldn’t want to miss (2) The age of the Earth or (4) Information either. We would probably cover (3) What evolution says in the discussion of (1). (5) Creationists did it first is contentious and less important, so I think we could dispatch that one pretty quickly by clearing up some misunderstandings.
Thus it is very clear to me that at the start you wanted to discuss these other topics as much as you wanted to address the issue of definitions. You can move the goal posts and back down if you want to, but it will be your choice to do so.
However, I feel the most compelling is simply this:
A: Change in species over time is a FACT
B: Change from one kind to another kind has never been observed and is NOT a fact.
To define evolution as A and then imply B is a fact is not only a logical fallacy, but is dishonest and meant not only to deceive the public but to delude oneself.
I've said before that your real issue is not with evolution. It is with the extent of time available for it and the concept of common ancestor being carried back to the first known evidence of life on this planet.
In addition, you refuse to define "kind" and refuse to address the issue of defining "micro"evolution as (A) and "macro"evolution as (B) to see where the evidence leads, nor have you providing some kind of usable definition for (B). All you've done is waffle on the issue:
Message 67
#1 - Start with Macro Evolution: Where have you been? I’ve been defining macro evolution since this debate began.
What is your definition of "macro"evolution?
My definition is what I said it was. That is, what “I’ve been defining . since this debate began”. Macro-evolution (“evolution”) is the theory that all the diversity of life we see today arose from a common ancestor billions of years ago, which itself came from non-life.
Macro-evolution is not about just any change in species over time. We’re talking about the kind of change that can change one kind of organism into another. And that’s my point. There IS no mechanism that can account for that type of change.
This is not a definition of "macro"evolution, it is claiming that {something else that is totally undefined} happens. Do you think that the fact that there is "no mechanism" for what you think "macro"evolution is could be a CLUE that your concept of "macro"evolution is false?
Correct. It is not a definition; it is what macro is “about”. I said what the definition was earlier. My concept of macroevolution is TRUE specifically because there is no mechanism that can account for it. Wouldn’t that be a clue that macroevolution cannot occur?
How much change and in what time-frame? In one sense this occurs at the moment of speciation: one species has become another. They no longer interbreed because they are different. Or do you need the accumulated change from, say, two speciation events
How much change? Enough to change one KIND of creature into another KIND.
All you've done is try to redefine evolution as "macro"evolution, defined that with some undefined and variable parameter ("kind") subject to change at whim and then insisted that it is something different from what evolution actually is - as used by scientists. You just don't seem to understand that if you don't use the definitions used by science, that then you are not discussing the science but something else. Disproving a "fantasy evolution" has no effect on scientific evolution.
Let me be very specific, your claim here that "My concept of macroevolution is TRUE specifically because there is no mechanism that can account for it" is a logical fallacy, and actually proof that it is a straw-man argument and inherently INVALID -- there is no scientific mechanism for it because you are NOT addressing what the science is addressing but something of your imagining. This is what a straw man argument means.
Science is based on testable mechanisms and theories, NOT wishful thinking. Your insistence on including some nebulous concept that is not present in any scientific discussion of evolution shows that you are NOT discussing the science of evolution but some other concept that even you cannot define sufficiently to evaluate it;s validity or applicability. You can't redefine evolution as something that doesn't exist within the science and then claim that it's non-existence is proof that evolution is not true.
There is no (B) in the science of evolution as you use it, there is only (A) and the accumulated effect of it over time. The longer you go back in time the more accumulated effect you have. I have said before that your argument is NOT with evolution, (A), but with the long age of the earth and the concept of common ancestor.
You insist that long periods of time are integral to the definition of evolution. I present evidence for the age of the earth to show that this is part of reality that you cannot just wave away as irrelevant. You proceed to wave it away as irrelevant. You say you have an argument to refute the ages shown by the tree rings but refuse to present it or substantiate your claim in any way. This is YOU not addressing the issue YOU raise.
Message 67
You still have totally failed to address the issue of the evidence that shows (1) no world wide flood for over 12,000 years (minimum) and (2) the earth is OLDER than any YEC model.
The evidence invalidates a YEC model and this makes it pointless to discuss any part of a YEC model or any hypothesis based on it. It is falsified.
That's reality.
The evidence does not invalidate creation theory, only your interpretation does and your interpretation is false. THAT’S REALITY. I’ll talk more about it when you agree to finish our first topic on definitions.
And yet you provide no alternative "interpretation" that fully explains the evidence. You fail to substantiate your assertion.
You also refuse to use "change in species over time" as even a working definition for "micro"evolution and see where the argument goes with the evidence.
I present evidence for the change in species over time with the foraminifera to show that change in species over time does occur. You proceed to wave it away as irrelevant, saying that "flood sorting" caused the pattern. You also refuse to show (substantiate) how a flood can sort the different layers of foraminifera within the consistent layers of sediment in such a way that the layers of foraminifera show the progress of evolution AND while the density of foraminifera skeletons is different from the density of the sediment AND while the foraminfera skeletons have different densities within each layer. In other words you refuse to really confront the evidence that "flood sorting" is totally inadequate as an explanation for the evidence. Nor do you address AT ALL the evidence for evolution within the foraminifera.
I present evidence for the change in species over time with Pelycodus to show that change in species over time is sufficient to cause speciation - in the fossil record as well as in current observations of such occurrences. What is your response? That you don't want to discuss the evidence - that demonstrate the validity of the scientific definitions - until after the definitions have been agreed on.
Message 67
In what time frame? Scientists say billions of years to create the diversity of life we see today from a common ancestor, but that’s only the theory. In reality, it has never been observed, the fossil record does not support it and no amount of time will transform one kind into another.
Again, bare assertion without any substantiation. You have shown absolutely no mechanism that prevents change at any level. Saying something doesn't occur doesn't stop it from occurring, and saying it is not in the fossil record is ignoring evidence in the fossil record of it occurring - as demonstrated by formaminifer and Pelycodus. Of course you can always dodge by redefining "kind" as needed to suit.
Having said that, let me respond specifically to some of the comments in your most recent posts.
[A] Theory explains all the known evidence or the theory is not complete. . When it can't be explained the theory is invalidated.
You are talking in circles again. Is the theory “not complete” or is it “invalidated” when things cannot be explained? I’ll repeat my prior question. Are you trying to tell me that evolutionists have a watertight explanation for all of the evidence regarding evolutionary theory?
Here you go misquoting and misrepresenting again.
Message 57
Please. Theory explains all the known evidence or the theory is not complete. That does NOT equate to the "answer for everything".
(Color for emPHAsis), and:
Message 57
So if some evidence arises that seems to invalidate a theory, then the theory is automatically invalidated? Scientists should just give up on that theory and go on to something else? Let’s not investigate or attempt to figure out if it really does or not.
Scientists deal with this kind of issue every day. Yes the theory - as stated - is invalidated until the new information is explained. This still means that ALL the information is explained by the theory or it is not complete. Sometimes the information can be explained in a manner consistent with the theory. Often it isn't and the theory is discarded.
The "information that seems to invalidate a theory" is not incomplete information but contradictory information:
Message 49
An alternative explanation confronts and deals with the evidence, it shows HOW it came to be and HOW it supports your position. It confronts and deals with the evidence that contradicts the concept or it relinquishes the field.
There can be evidence FOR any possible conclusion you want to reach - even that the earth is the center of the universe and that the sun orbits it. The real issue is dealiing with the evidence that INVALIDATES the conclusion -- that is what science does. The young earth and WWF concepts are invalidated by the evidence.
It is not a matter of an alternative interpretation, it is a matter of explaining the evidence -- ALL the evidence. Without confronting the evidence that invalidates both the young earth model and the WWF concept all you are doing is ignoring evidence, not "interpreting" it.
Any scientist that does not deal with the evidence that DOES invalidate their theory is not doing science, and will quickly be cut to shreds by his peers. Cold Fusion.
Thus YOU are attempting to change my comment concerning contradictory evidence to one concerning incomplete evidence by your misrepresentation of what was said, using "..." to completely ignore that a new and different point was being discussed. That is a flagrant misrepresentation.
When it can be explained in a manner consistent with the theory it is done by DEALING WITH THE EVIDENCE AND EXPLAINING IT not by ignoring it.
Then why do evolutionists ignore the evidence?
And yet you fail to present any examples to substantiate this assertion. How can one "ignore" non-existent evidence?
This is nonsense. You are misrepresenting what evolution is and again missing the point. That evolution has no direction is an evolutionista misrepresentation of evolution and does NOT deal with the SCIENCE. Mechanisms such as adaptation (change within kinds) may not be directed, but evolution MUST be.
Why murk? Why MUST it be? Because only then does if fit your straw-man misrepresentation of what evolution is? All evolution requires is that species continue to survive and reproduce, that as conditions change that those variations that are best able to deal with the changes will continue to survive and reproduce, or they go extinct. What direction is that? Big beaks, small beaks, and back: what direction is that?
Darwin himself said that the fossil record invalidated his theory.
Document this.
Quote mine taken out of context - typical creatortionista type of attack that has nothing to do with reality (or any effect on science). This is twice you've used this falshood recently.
Please quote from the original source with page reference. Back up your assertion with evidence instead of hot air.
It’s hard for me to believe that you would deny that Darwin recognized the inadequacy of the fossil record. It is a typical evolutionista tactic to accuse their opponents of quote mining in order to deny reality. This should wait until we finish with definitions, but perhaps I can use it to reflect on some pertinent issues. So let’s take a look at Darwin’s own words from the origin of species 1st edition, 1859.
Not ONE of your quotes says that the fossil record invalidates his theory. That is what you were specifically requested to substantiate, you haven't, and the conclusion is that you can't. You asserted something that is false. You misrepresented what Darwin said.
This also has no bearing on the validity of evolution: the fossil record is now much more complete than it was, we have evidence from the foraminifer of just the kind of long term gradual evolution that Darwin proposed, we also have the genetic information. You are clutching at straws, making straw man arguments.
In any case, I DID NOT accuse you of lying
Message 64
Your following refutation of IC is comical. There is more hand waving, outright lies, deception, misunderstanding and liberally biased nonsense then in most of your previous posts
Caught again.
Again, you are the one in denial of the evidence and of reality. It DID NOT evolve and I have soundly shown that this is the case with solid reasoning. No wild assertions were necessary except by you.
No all you did was assert that you had.
The bacteria had a part of an IC system removed - thus rendering it inoperative in accordance with the definition of IC. The bacteria then evolved a second system that replaced the first - it did not repair it or just replace the missing element, but evolved a new IC system - one where removing one of the elements would also render it inoperative in accordance with the definition of IC.
To refute this you need to show that either (a) it did not evolve or (b) is not an IC system. You have done neither.
There is hardly a story on Coelacanth that doesn’t call it a “living fossil”, virtually identical to ones found in the fossil record.
This does not change the fact that this modern fish is still a different species from the ancient ones used to verify dates in sediments.
Apparently we need to talk more about this and other issues regarding evidence one at a time. However, as I’ve said repeatedly this is not the time or manner in which they should be discussed.
Another dodge.
In the meantime, the topic of definitions has not been completed. I’m officially making the decision now that I will not go into detail on any evidence regardless of how much goading and name calling you may do until we finish our first topic.
You still have not documented any name-calling. You still refuse to move off the pot on definitions. You still refuse to address the evidence.
It has been proved that fossils can form quickly.
Where? Document this assertion please. That would include providing evidence for it.
Enjoy.

GREAT DEBATE - RAZD and MurkyWaters only


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This message is a reply to:
 Message 70 by MurkyWaters, posted 03-26-2007 9:51 PM MurkyWaters has not replied

RAZD
Member (Idle past 1404 days)
Posts: 20714
From: the other end of the sidewalk
Joined: 03-14-2004


Message 73 of 121 (392646)
04-01-2007 4:48 PM
Reply to: Message 70 by MurkyWaters
03-26-2007 9:51 PM


Definitions -- the SHORT version, moving on.

GREAT DEBATE - RAZD and MurkyWaters only

Message 70
So the facts are in again - out of 50 definitions, only 9 (18%) of them define evolution using ONLY some variation of your deceptive slogan “change in species over time”. The others (82%) almost universally specify the type of change by including increased complexity, or responsibility for all diversity of life or significant speciation or some variation of my definition (not 23%, so you are misrepresenting the facts again). In addition, 27 (54%) include long periods of time, often mentioning billions or millions of years.
The definitions were reviewed again to show that MurkyWaters was misrepresenting some arguments and counting definitions that did not apply to biological evolution. All the definitions that included "change in species over time" (with variations) were then counted.
Every factor that Murkywaters lists as a part of the definition were also then individually counted (with variations), just as change in species over time was individually counted (with variations) -- for the number of times they appeared in any of the actual definitions (but NOT in discussions of the application of the theory nor in the more general definitions).
The data for the analysis can be found in Message 71. These are the results:
"Change in species over time" is a required part of the definition of evolution theory 100% of the time.
"Speciation" (change) is a required part of the definition of evolution theory (21/54) = 39% of the time.
"Generation to Generation" (time) is a required part of the definition of evolution theory (17/54) = 31% of the time.
"Higher Taxons" (change) is a required part of the definition of evolution theory (8/54) = 15% of the time.
"Diversity" (change) is a required part of the definition of evolution theory (4/54) = 7% of the time.
"Inherited traits" (heredity) is a required part of the definition of evolution theory (3/54) = 6% of the time.
"Origin of Life" (heredity) is a required part of the definition of evolution theory (3/54) = 6% of the time.
"Complexity" (change) is a required part of the definition of evolution theory (3/54) = 6% of the time.
"Common Ancestor" (heredity) is a required part of the definition of evolution theory (2/54) = 4% of the time.
"Many Generations" (time) is a required part of evolution theory (1/54) = 2% of the time.
"Long Periods of Time" (time) is a required part of the definition of evolution theory (1/54) = 2% of the time
"Millions of years" (time) is a required part of the definition of evolution theory ((1/2)/54)= 1% of the time.
"Billions of years" (time) is a required part of the definition of evolution theory (0/54) = 0% of the time.
"New Features" (change) is a required part of the definition of evolution theory (0/54) = 0% of the time.
Lumping "Billions of years", "Millions of years", "Long Periods of Time" and "Many Generations" together (time) only gets to (2.5/54) = 5%, so therefore long time is NOT a required universal element of the theory of evolution.
"Generation to Generation" (time) is a part of "change in species over time" - it is one of the time-frames in which things change. Yet even with "Generation to Generation" lumped with the other time-frames identified they still only come to 40%.
The operative element is time, not any specific unit or span of time.
Lumping "New Features" and "Diversity" and "Complexity" (change) only gets to (7/54) = 13% so the appearance of new and novel features, increased complexity, etc., is not a required universal element of the theory of evolution.
Lumping "New Features" with "Diversity", "Complexity" and "Higher Taxons" (change) still only gets to (15/54) = 28% so novel features plus the accumulation of change at higher levels over longer time is still not a required universal element of the theory of evolution.
"Speciation" (change) is a part of "change in species over time" - it is one of the things that changes. Yet even with "Speciation" lumped with the others, the different kinds of changes identified still only come to (36/54) = 67%.
The operative element is change, not any specific kind or level of change.
Lumping "Origin of Life" and "Common Ancestor" together (heredity) only gets to (5/54) = 9%, so therefore origins and first common ancestor is NOT a required universal element of the theory of evolution.
"Inherited traits" with "Origin of Life" and "Common Ancestor" together (heredity) only gets to (8/54) = 15%, so therefore specific elements of heredity are NOT a required universal element of the theory of evolution.
The operative element is heredity, not any specific kind or level of heredity.
.
The ONLY element that is close to universal IS universal and it is "change in species over time"
"Change in species over time" as a stand alone definition occurs 16 times = 30% of the time
Any other element that stands alone as a definition of evolution occurs 0 time = 0% of the time.
The ONLY element that stands alone as a definition of evolution is "change in species over time"
Lumping "Change in species over time" with "Speciation" and "Generation to Generation" as stand alone definitions occurs 31 times = 57% of the time. This is also still plain "Change in species over time" with these two minor modifiers of change levels and time frames.
The only logical rational conclusion is that the definition of evolution is change in species over time.
That "change in species over time" (alone) can and does stand alone as a definition of evolution shows that this is sufficient definition.
Lets also review the two definitions used by universities from this list:
(A) Berkeley
An introduction to evolution - Understanding Evolution
quote:
The Definition:
Biological evolution, simply put, is descent with modification. This definition encompasses small-scale evolution (changes in gene frequency in a population from one generation to the next) and large-scale evolution (the descent of different species from a common ancestor over many generations). Evolution helps us to understand the history of life.
The Explanation:
Biological evolution is not simply a matter of change over time. Lots of things change over time: trees lose their leaves, mountain ranges rise and erode, but they aren't examples of biological evolution because they don't involve descent through genetic inheritance.
The central idea of biological evolution is that all life on Earth shares a common ancestor, just as you and your cousins share a common grandmother.
Through the process of descent with modification, the common ancestor of life on Earth gave rise to the fantastic diversity that we see documented in the fossil record and around us today. Evolution means that we're all distant cousins: humans and oak trees, hummingbirds and whales.
Note the clear reference to change in species over time (descent with modification) and the application of that to both microevolution and macroevolution. It then goes on to discuss the relation of the vast evidence of time and fossil data to these concepts.
(B) University of Michigan
The Process of Speciation
quote:
Definitions of Biological Evolution
We begin with two working definitions of biological evolution, which capture these two facets of genetics and differences among life forms. Then we will ask what is a species, and how does a species arise?
* Definition 1:
Changes in the genetic composition of a population with the passage of each generation
* Definition 2:
The gradual change of living things from one form into another over the course of time, the origin of species and lineages by descent of living forms from ancestral forms, and the generation of diversity
Note that the first definition emphasizes genetic change. It commonly is referred to as microevolution. The second definition emphasizes the appearance of new, physically distinct life forms that can be grouped with similar appearing life forms in a taxonomic hierarchy. It commonly is referred to as macroevolution.
Note that these are very similar, down to the distinction between (small-scale) microevolution and (large-scale) macroevolution.
Proposed compromise #2:
We can combine these to formulate a scientific theory of biological evolution as represented by these schools that (actually) teach biological evolution:

Definition of Biological Evolution


Biological evolution is descent with modification. This definition encompasses small-scale evolution (microevolution) and large-scale evolution (macroevolution) as follows:(a)
  1. Microevolution is the changes in the genetic composition (the frequency of alleles) of a population with the passage of each generation
  2. Macroevolution is the descent of different species from their common ancestors over many generations.

(a) - Where the division between the two levels of evolution is marked by non-ambiguous speciation, the seperation of a previous parent population into non-breeding daughter populations.
The only difference of any significance between microevolution and macroevolution as listed above is the inclusion of the concept of descent from previous common ancestors, parent populations that existed before non-arbitrary speciation separated the daughter populations. Hereditary relationships and hierarchies are not new at this point - that is the basis for the change in the frequency of alleles from generation to generation, for descent with modification, for the change in species over time - but it is now being applied to populations of species rather than to individuals within species. Note how this also conforms to what I previously proposed for elements for microevolution:
Message 17
Small scale Evolution DOES NOT logically imply large scale Evolution. These are 2 very different things.
Ahhh ... and there it is! "Micro"evolution is different from "Macro"evolution ...
Tell you what Murk, let's start by discussing "Micro"evolution.
We can start by stipulating that:
  • refers to speciation and
  • nothing beyond the causes up to and including speciation,
  • has been observed to occur and is
  • thus a fact.
    That it involves
  • change in species over time,
  • mutation as an observed fact,
  • natural selection as an observed fact, and
  • some other minor mechanisms such as genetic drift and horizontal gene transfer by viruses and the like.
    That it does NOT involve
  • sudden large scale change or
  • sudden appearance of whole new features or abilities.
Then we can discuss the evidence for "micro"evolution in genetics and in the fossil record.
The purpose will be to fully define what "micro"evolution is and what "micro"evolution is NOT.
(edited to match structure below)
We can further stipulate that speciation here refers to non-arbitrary speciation, where daughter populations no longer interbreed, although this "line" may take a while to be formalized completely.
From this, and from application of what we know about microevolution, we can hypothesize that recent daughter populations will:
  • Initially share a lot of common features, behaviors, genes, environments, predators, food sources, diseases, etcetera.
  • Change from cooperation between individuals within the whole population (breeding, protection, assistance, etc) to competition between the two populations (especially over the same resources).
  • Be selected for reducing competition with the sister species (with its low survival & reproductive value) through changes to features, behaviors, genes, environments, predators, food sources, diseases, etcetera.
  • Acquire divergence and diversity (with greater survival\reproductive value than stasis) as a result of those changes until the overall interactions between daughter populations is not distinguishable from overall interactions with other species.
  • Continue to evolve within their populations only through microevolution
So what can we infer would be a similar description for the elements of macroevolution based on these combined scientific definitions of biological evolution?
    "Macro"evolution
  • refers to continued evolution within each species after speciation, which
  • has been observed to occur as an ongoing process in all known current forms of life, and
  • to the different hereditary hierarchies between different species.
    Hierarchies that can be
  • inferred from from the fossil record, based on the similarity of features between species that would be due to heredity (rather than the convergent evolution of similar features), and
  • inferred from the genetic record, based on the similarity of structures in the genes that would also be due to heredity (rather than the convergent evolution of similar features), and
  • tested by comparing the fossil record with the genetic record.
    That it involves
  • continued change in species over time, microevolution, as a validated process within each species population
  • recent common ancestry of daughter species from parent species as an observed fact,
  • the mechanisms of hereditary relationships applied to whole populations (rather than within populations), and
  • reproductive isolation and some other minor mechanisms such as population dynamics, punctuated equilibrium vs gradualism, extinction events, and the like.
    That it does NOT involve
  • sudden large scale change or
  • sudden appearance of whole new features or abilities.
Information related to hereditary hierarchies:
Classic taxonomy
http://www.msu.edu/%7Enixonjos/armadillo/taxonomy.html
is based on observed hereditary hierarchies in the fossil record and current life. The levels of the different taxons is based on the length of time from the common ancestor population that is the parent of the taxon group, whether that group is species, genus, family, order, class, phylum, kingdom or all of life as we know it -- seeing how the evidence that we have fits the theory at each different level. It is also NOT dependent on the whole picture being valid to investigate the hereditary hierarchies at any level desired: that is all part of testing the theory against the evidence.
Cladistics
FossilNews.com – A Blog On All Things Fossil And More…
is based on analyzing the evolutionary relationships between groups to construct their family tree. ... classified according to their evolutionary relationships, and that the way to discover these relationships is to analyze what are called primitive and derived characters. This does away with taxon groups above species and replaces them with "Clades"
clade -nouna taxonomic group of organisms classified together on the basis of homologous features traced to a common ancestor.
Cladistics is just a different way of looking at the same data and developing the same hereditary hierarchies, without any confusion with the (un)importance of different taxons. Cladistic analysis also lends itself to analyzing genetic hereditary hierarchies with homologous genes.
The classifications are not based on, nor dependent on, special features, abilities, functions, forms or any other aspect derived by evolution, but on the hereditary relationships. Instead such derived aspects are used as the evidence of the hereditary relationships. You are not a mammal because you have four limbs, you have four limbs because you are a mammal, evolved from the first common ancestor mammal that happened to have four limbs and who's own ancestor had four limbs.
The evolution of that first common ancestor mammal - by the application of the theories of biological evolution as discussed above - would still have been a speciation event, the result of microevolution within the population of it's ancestor species until the speciation event, and then by microevolution within the daughter species as it diverged from it's ancestral stock and then diversified with speciation events that then developed new species of mammals from the first one.
This proposed compromise combines my definition of "change in species over time" with your concern that "something else" is involved that results in "higher" taxonomic classifications, ... but one with a mechanism that exists and that can be tested (common descent). If you accept this we can move on to the evidence for age and evolution.
Enjoy.

GREAT DEBATE - RAZD and MurkyWaters only

Edited by RAZD, : red banners
Edited by RAZD, : formating, expanded to add combined definition, compromise #2
Edited by RAZD, : edited to match changes to msg 71

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This message is a reply to:
 Message 70 by MurkyWaters, posted 03-26-2007 9:51 PM MurkyWaters has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 87 by MurkyWaters, posted 06-24-2007 1:15 AM RAZD has replied

RAZD
Member (Idle past 1404 days)
Posts: 20714
From: the other end of the sidewalk
Joined: 03-14-2004


Message 74 of 121 (404864)
06-10-2007 9:57 AM
Reply to: Message 70 by MurkyWaters
03-26-2007 9:51 PM


Proceeding Once Again ...

GREAT DEBATE
RAZD and MurkyWaters only

To be blunt however, this debate is overall becoming a colossal waste of time ...
Frankly I don't understand why you would object that I would "tie my hands" with a definition of evolution that you feel is inadequate to explain long term evolution, as it should make my position more difficult to argue if anything.
I have made several compromises, but see no change in your position at all: that is not debate, it is just spouting your position with your fingers in your ears ignoring the conflicting evidence.
It is time to move on with the issue of macroevolution as a product of microevolution, accumulating change over successive speciation events. As noted above we have evidence of microevolution producing change in species over time with foraminifera (Message 25}, pelycodus (Message 50}, and horses (Message 68}. Here is a fuller presentation of horse evolution and why it adds up to more than just microevolution between species:
Message 185(Common creationist position quoted from another thread)
But it has never been observed or reproduced where one thing becomes a completely different thing, and there are not enough fossils to prove that it has taken place.
Keeping with horses for now. The question is how much change you are talking about, as the horse lineage goes from a 3 front + 4 rear toed herbivorous, predominantly swamp dweller the size, posture and behavior similar to a modern small forest deer to a single toe on each leg grass grazing, predominantly plains dweller the size of, well, a modern horse.
Formosan Reeve's muntjac, Endemic animals of Taiwan. compared to "eohippus" skeleton
When is the amount of change accumulated over time sufficient for classification as Macroevolution? Where do you draw the line?
From: Eohippus
Eohippus was a descendent of the Condylarth, a dog-sized, five-toed creature that lived about 75 million years ago. It lived during the early Eocene period, which took place 50 to 60 million years ago. Eohippus, which means "dawn horse," stood about twelve to fourteen inches at the shoulder and weighed about twelve pounds. It looked nothing like a horse. It had an arched back, short neck, short snout, short legs, and a long tail. Its color probably most resembled that of a deer, a darker background with lighter spots.
The legs of Eohippus were flexible and rotating with all major bones present and unfused. It had a choppy, up-down gait and was not very fast. There were four toes on each front foot and three toes on the hind. The vestigial toes - two on the front feet and one on the hind - were still present.
It had a small brain and low-crowned teeth with three incisors, one canine, four distinct premolars, and three "grinding" molars in each side of each jaw. Browsing on fruit and fairly soft foliage, Eohippus probably lived in an environment with soft soil, the kind found on jungle floors and around the edges of pools. Since Eohippus walked on the pads of its feet, it was able to cross wet, marshy ground without much difficulty.
(The coloration of course, is pure speculation.)
To the modern horse with different diet and arrangement of teath, different structure to the toes, many different sizes, with the modern horse being one of the larger species (not the largest).
During that time the toe of that horse has also evolved from just a soft padded toe with a nail, typical of many non-hooved animals to something distinctive even for hooved animals. From Functional Anatomy of the Horse Foot (click):
A horse's hoof is composed of the wall, sole and frog. The wall is simply that part of the hoof that is visible when the horse is standing. It covers the front and sides of the third phalanx, or coffin bone. The wall is made up of the toe (front), quarters (sides) and heel.
The wall of the hoof is composed of a horny material that is produced continuously and must be worn off or trimmed off. The hoof wall does not contain blood vessels or nerves. In the front feet, the wall is thickest at the toe; in the hind feet the hoof wall is of a more uniform thickness. The wall, bars and frog are the weight-bearing structures of the foot. Normally the sole does not contact the ground.
As weight is placed on the hoof, pressure is transmitted through the phalanges to the wall and onto the digital cushion and frog. The frog, a highly elastic wedge-shaped mass, normally makes contact with the ground first. The frog presses up on the digital cushion, which flattens and is forced outward against the lateral cartilages. The frog also is flattened and tends to push the bars of the wall apart (Figure 3). When the foot is lifted, the frog and other flexible structures of the foot return to their original position.
When the foot is placed on the ground, blood is forced from the foot to the leg by the increase in pressure and by the change in shape of the digital cushion and the frog. The pressure and the change in shape compress the veins in the foot. When the foot is lifted, the compression is relieved and blood flows into the veins again. In this way, the movement of these structures in the hoof acts as a pump.
This is much more difference in a feature than "just an increase in length" (as in an elephants trunk), it is a totally different structure to stand on (eohippus stood on his toes pads, equus stands on a hoof which not only is not a toe pad, but a feature that wasn't present in the eohippus) and it incorporates a new {added\changed} structure to increase blood flow by acting as a secondary pump. There are also significant changes to the skull, jaw, teeth and spine:
From http://horsecare.stablemade.com/articles2/horse_origins.htm
This is what macroevolution is within evolutionary science: sufficient change accumulated over time in the evolution of a lineage of evolving species, such that the result is additive over time until it is significant enough to us to classify it at a different level of change. The change is ALL accomplised by microevolution within species, and it is only the linkage of species to species to species via common ancestor lineages that the change become noticeably different over longer periods of time to be declared significant at a taxonometric level.
This is essentially the amount of evolution needed for a small forest deer to evolve into something similar to a horse. If this is not enough evidence of "where one thing becomes a completely different thing," then I suggest you are equivocating on what you mean by completely different.
Message 185(Common creationist position quoted from another thread)
...there are not enough fossils to prove that it has taken place.
Picture from http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/vertpaleo/fhc/Stratmap1.htm
Note that the skulls shown do not represent the total number of genus (Hipparion is not shown) nor species or specimens, just representative ones of the different stages.
This distinctive and significant change was shown with the current fossils known. Prediction: future finds will include species intermediate between the ones shown in the tree of horse fossils. Such finds will further validate this process. Fossils that do not fit the time-development structure could invalidate it.
I begin to feel that I am arguing with the walls as you have made no corrections to falsified positions and appear to have abandoned the argument altogether rather than face the evidence you need to rebut or accept. If that is the case I would be willing to ask the admins to open this debate up to another creationist to follow-up where you have left off.
Enjoy.

GREAT DEBATE
RAZD and MurkyWaters only

Edited by RAZD, : banner

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This message is a reply to:
 Message 70 by MurkyWaters, posted 03-26-2007 9:51 PM MurkyWaters has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 88 by MurkyWaters, posted 06-24-2007 1:40 AM RAZD has not replied

RAZD
Member (Idle past 1404 days)
Posts: 20714
From: the other end of the sidewalk
Joined: 03-14-2004


Message 75 of 121 (404899)
06-10-2007 12:40 PM
Reply to: Message 70 by MurkyWaters
03-26-2007 9:51 PM


Calling All Creos ... Calling All Creo ...
See Message 239. If anyone wants to pick up where MurkyWaters has left off or who wants to just join the debate they can reply to the moderation thread post (Message 239)
The only thing I will ask for is agreement on the definition of evolution as used in the science (as noted above):
Message 73
Proposed compromise #2:
We can combine these to formulate a scientific theory of biological evolution as represented by these schools that (actually) teach biological evolution:

Definition of Biological Evolution


Biological evolution is descent with modification. This definition encompasses small-scale evolution (microevolution) and large-scale evolution (macroevolution) as follows:(a)
  1. Microevolution is the changes in the genetic composition (the frequency of alleles) of a population with the passage of each generation
  2. Macroevolution is the descent of different species from their common ancestors over many generations.

(a) - Where the division between the two levels of evolution is marked by non-ambiguous speciation, the seperation of a previous parent population into non-breeding daughter populations.
Or to show how this conflicts with either the Berkeley or the U of Mich Definitions (they are given in Message 73).
I further stipulate:
Message 73
  • refers to speciation and
  • nothing beyond the causes up to and including speciation,
  • has been observed to occur and is
  • thus a fact.
    That it involves
  • change in species over time,
  • mutation as an observed fact,
  • natural selection as an observed fact, and
  • some other minor mechanisms such as genetic drift and horizontal gene transfer by viruses and the like.
    That it does NOT involve
  • sudden large scale change or
  • sudden appearance of whole new features or abilities.
We can further stipulate that speciation here refers to non-arbitrary speciation, where daughter populations no longer interbreed, although this "line" may take a while to be formalized completely.
and
ibid
  • refers to continued evolution within each species after speciation, which
  • has been observed to occur as an ongoing process in all known current forms of life, and
  • to the different hereditary hierarchies between different species.
    Hierarchies that can be
  • inferred from from the fossil record, based on the similarity of features between species that would be due to heredity (rather than the convergent evolution of similar features), and
  • inferred from the genetic record, based on the similarity of structures in the genes that would also be due to heredity (rather than the convergent evolution of similar features), and
  • tested by comparing the fossil record with the genetic record.
    That it involves
  • continued change in species over time, microevolution, as a validated process within each species population
  • recent common ancestry of daughter species from parent species as an observed fact,
  • the mechanisms of hereditary relationships applied to whole populations (rather than within populations), and
  • reproductive isolation and some other minor mechanisms such as population dynamics, punctuated equilibrium vs gradualism, extinction events, and the like.
    That it does NOT involve
  • sudden large scale change or
  • sudden appearance of whole new features or abilities.
We can either start with debate on these stipulations regarding microevolution and macroevolution OR then move on to the evidence for macroevolution OR discuss one of the other topics rasied at the start (age of the earth, information loss, etcetera).
Thanks.

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we are limited in our ability to understand
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This message is a reply to:
 Message 70 by MurkyWaters, posted 03-26-2007 9:51 PM MurkyWaters has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 89 by MurkyWaters, posted 06-24-2007 2:16 AM RAZD has not replied

RAZD
Member (Idle past 1404 days)
Posts: 20714
From: the other end of the sidewalk
Joined: 03-14-2004


Message 77 of 121 (405056)
06-11-2007 1:02 AM
Reply to: Message 76 by pelican
06-10-2007 10:34 PM


Re: Creation v Evolution

GREAT DEBATE
RAZD v MurkyWaters & other creos

Thanks for joining, dameeva, and welcome to the fray.
Usually great debate topics are limited to the participants listed, however I did just open the door on this one.
Evolution and creation clash at different points in their stories but can also be viewed as running parallel. Is this possible?
It depends which version of creation we talk about. It is certainly possible with the creation of my belief (Deist) among others (including some christian beliefs), but it seems to clash with fundamental young earth creationism. This would tend to indicate that the error is in the fundamentalist thinking on age and evolution is what is wrong.
One is the physical growth of the physical human being and the other the spiritual growth of a human being? Both occurring simultaneously?
Could one be creating from physical knowledge and the other creating from inner knowings?
I would prefer to keep this topic on strictly science issues, and I have a Perceptions of Reality where this could be discussed in more detail. Read message 1 there and see what you think.
Enjoy


ps - in case you don't know, type [qs]quote boxes are easy[/qs] and it becomes:
quote boxes are easy

GREAT DEBATE
RAZD v MurkyWaters & other creos


Join the effort to unravel AIDS/HIV, unfold Proteomes, fight Cancer,
compare Fiocruz Genome and fight Muscular Dystrophy with Team EvC! (click)


we are limited in our ability to understand
by our ability to understand
RebelAAmericanOZen[Deist
... to learn ... to think ... to live ... to laugh ...
to share.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 76 by pelican, posted 06-10-2007 10:34 PM pelican has not replied

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